26-Feb-18

Gospel LK 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."
Reflection:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Clearly, Jesus is telling me that if I hope to receive mercy from my Father then I should extend mercy to my sisters and brothers.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged."
My reaction is, "I don't judge people."
Really?
How about when I gossip about someone?
"He talks too much".
"She really should lose weight."
"Can you believe she's wearing that outfit?"
"That guy should throw away the 'Help Me' sign and get a job."
At one time or another in my life, I have made similar remarks about others.
This Lent I decided to make the effort to follow my mother's advice:
I told myself; If you cannot say something nice about someone, say nothing at all.
Jesus promises that if I mend my ways, I can expect to receive God's tender mercy.
"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."
Help me Lord to hold my tongue for I am weak. Send Your Spirit upon me so that I will show Your mercy and kindness to all I meet.
"Be good to people. You will be remembered more for your kindness than for any level of success that you could possibly attain."
Mandy Hale