Daily Reflection – 3/18/19
Sacred Scripture
Jesus said to his disciples, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Don’t be a judge of others and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over. For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back.” (Luke 6: 36-38)
Reflection
If we look at the news, it is easy to believe that “justice” at all cause is the desired remedy for wrongs committed. Blood, pain, imprisonment and punishment are the desired ends for wrongs committed.
And then we have today’s Gospel standing on the pillar of Truth; Jesus talks to us (through his disciples) of the way we should act when misfortune or opportunity comes our way. He guides us to be compassionate, not to judge others but pardon them and to learn how to give.
We are given insight as to how our judgement after our death will be conducted. We cannot plead ignorance. Jesus will ask each one of us: have you showed compassion, have you pardoned your transgressors, have you not judged others, have you given to those who asked and were in need?
Jesus says ‘the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back’. You see, we need to remember that only God who is all good can judge, for He has each of our soul’s best interest at heart. He does not want anything in return.
But is that what we see every day ? Far from it, people are ostracized because of their sleights; professed Christians judge others and often judge harshly; “faithful “ church attenders engage in gossip and, at times, slander.
Right now, as you read this, pause and think of someone who, at this moment, you hold a grudge against because of a perceived or real slight; someone about whom you gossiped or ascribed an action or thought that did not truly happen; someone you have maligned because they are in your path of power; or someone you will not forgive because they dd not act in the way you wanted.
Lest you be condemned, say a prayer at this instant. Ask Jesus to send the Holy Spirit into your heart and soul and guide you to truth and honesty. Truth for your souls’ salvation. Trust in God to do what is best.
Prayer of The Day
Dear Jesus, how easy it is for me to judge unfairly and to be righteous about others. I forget that everything I have comes from you and that I can’t claim the credit for any quality and virtue, although I would like to. I wish to keep this truth in mind and to have an attitude of genuine humility in my heart. Here I am, Lord, to know and love you more through prayer. Lord, help me to forgive from the heart.
Daily Note
God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return.
