Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Delia Mc G.
Reflection:
Ms. Carmelita Lopez was my Grade 6 (Year 7 equivalent in the UK) teacher in the Philippines. Towards the end of the academic year, she often reminded us of a verse from today’s Gospel: “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Through those words, Ms. Lopez was teaching us how we should deal with others. Her words of wisdom became a source of inspiration for me as I grew up. If we go back to the previous verses of the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we must not be judgmental, that we must be forgiving, and that we must be generous. These qualities can be summed up in one word: merciful. Going further back to the first verse, Jesus points us to the Father whose mercy we should imitate. Sometimes, it is much easier for us to judge others even if we do not have any proof to support our judgement. It can also be easier not to forgive especially if we think of the hurt the other person has caused us. It can also be easier not to be generous if we are full of ourselves. But let us think of God the Father for a moment. He could have condemned us for our sinfulness. He could have withheld us His forgiveness. He could have given up on our stubbornness. And yet, He sent His Son “not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17).
- How do you repay the Father’s mercy to you?
- How do you get rid of your judgmental, unforgiving, or mean self?
- “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” How true are these words to you?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. As the Father has shown us mercy, help us to be merciful to others. Doing so we may proclaim the salvation brought by Your Cross and Resurrection. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Do some extraordinary kindness to someone who would never expect it.
(Pietro)
