JUDGMENT

COMMON DEFINITION: Judgment is the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion. [1]

1. Judgment consists in trying to have the adequate (gospel) intention and reaction when faced with present circumstances and those that are yet to come.

2. Judgment is refined in shared reflection.

3. Some persons are worried about the “why”; others worry about the “how”. The second can only obey rules, render accounts. The first are able to embody judgments; they can come to understand. Some persons opt for compliance; others decide based on conviction.

4. Whenever a “utopia” dies, orthodoxy is born.

5. To be free is to move beyond the rule to personal discernment.

6. When truths are not alive, they fossilize. Fossilized truths provide a secure point of reference; but they end up colliding with reality or lead to a systematic distortion of reality.

7. Discernment reveals the purpose and determines the means to be used.

8. Discernment prevents the method from stifling the Spirit.

9. Truth is the leaven not the backing pan.

10. There are combustible truths, actual truths and permanent truths (and, the latter are much fewer in number than many people believe).

11. Cursillo tries to place what is true within reach of the near.

12. The two things that make the truth accessible, powerful and effective for Christians are the Gospel and common sense.

13. Judgment is the will to remain balanced in the truth so as to possess it more fully.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Why is judgment (discernment) so important an element of Cursillo Movement and of life?


2. What are some of the dangers and/or mistakes that occur when a Cursillista lacks judgment (discernment)?

The Spanish word “criterio” is used here: It refers to the ability to judge and discern and translates as “judgment” or formal “discernment”. It includes “common sense”.

[1] The Spanish word “criterio” is used here: It refers to the ability to judge and discern and translates as “judgment” or formal “discernment”. It includes “common sense”.