Why does the Divine Judgement operate in this way, such that the mercy or condemnation we show to others is the mercy or condemnation we will receive in the end? We so easily forget, because of the blindness caused by our own pride, that we are the light of the world, and our light must shine before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] heavenly Father, (Matt 5:16). Our neighbor is created in the image and likeness of God and, if they are baptized, they are members of the Body of Christ as we are. Does not the same Christ say, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me, and what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me (Matt 25:40, 45)? Thus, when we condemn our neighbor, we are as Pilate condemning Jesus, yet when we show our neighbor mercy—whether they deserve it or not—we show Jesus mercy, and we are as Simon of Cyrene lessening the weight of the Cross, or as Veronica giving Him a moment of mercy amid a sea of suffering. The mercy we show others we show Him; will He not show us mercy in kind? The condemnation we impose upon others we impose upon Him; is He not just in condemning us in kind?
Thus we pray, even daily, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.