Monday of the Second Week in Lent
Lectionary: 230
Lectionary: 230
"Lord, great and awesome God,
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!
Yet we rebelled against you
and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God,
to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!
Yet we rebelled against you
and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God,
to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."
Responsorial
PsalmPS 79:8, 9, 11 AND 13
R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Let the prisoners' sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Let the prisoners' sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Verse Before
The GospelSEE JN 6:63C, 68C
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;
you have the words of everlasting life.
you have the words of everlasting life.
GospelLK 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."
"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."
Meditation: Be merciful as your
Father is merciful
Do you know and experience the mercy God has for you
through the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for you and for your sins upon
the cross? The Lord Jesus took our sins upon himself and nailed them to the
cross so that we could receive pardon rather than condemnation, freedom rather
than slavery to sin, and healing for the wounds caused by sin, injustice, and
evil.
God's mercy knows no limits
God the Father never tires of showing his steadfast love and mercy to those who seek him. Scripture tells us that his mercies never cease. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (The Lamentations of Jeremiah 3:22-23). What can hold us back from receiving God's mercy and pardon? Anger, resentment, an unwillingness to forgive or to ask for pardon can hold us back from the healing power and merciful love that has power to wash away guilt and condemnation, fear and anger, pride and resentment. The Lord Jesus offers us freedom to walk in his way of love and forgiveness, mercy and goodness.
God the Father never tires of showing his steadfast love and mercy to those who seek him. Scripture tells us that his mercies never cease. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (The Lamentations of Jeremiah 3:22-23). What can hold us back from receiving God's mercy and pardon? Anger, resentment, an unwillingness to forgive or to ask for pardon can hold us back from the healing power and merciful love that has power to wash away guilt and condemnation, fear and anger, pride and resentment. The Lord Jesus offers us freedom to walk in his way of love and forgiveness, mercy and goodness.
Imitate God the Father's mercy
We are called to be merciful towards one another just as our heavenly Father has been merciful towards each one of us. Do you quickly forgive those who wrong you or cause you grief or pain, or do you allow ill-will and resentment to grow in your heart? Do you pray for those who have lost sight of God's mercy, pardon, truth, and justice?
We are called to be merciful towards one another just as our heavenly Father has been merciful towards each one of us. Do you quickly forgive those who wrong you or cause you grief or pain, or do you allow ill-will and resentment to grow in your heart? Do you pray for those who have lost sight of God's mercy, pardon, truth, and justice?
In the Old Testament we see the example of Daniel, a
man of great faith in God's mercy and just ways, who prayed daily, not only for
himself, but for his own people, and for his persecutors as well. Daniel
was 'shamefaced' before God because he recognized that his own people who had
been called and chosen by God as the people of Israel, were now suffering in
exile due to their sins and unfaithfulness to the covenant God had made with
them (see Daniel 9:4-10). Daniel did not sit in judgment over the failings and
sins of his own people, instead he pleaded with God for compassion, pardon, and
restoration. Our shame will turn to joy and hope if we confess our sins and ask
for God's healing love and mercy..
Do not judge
Why does Jesus tell his followers to "not judge lest they be judged"? Jesus knew the human heart all too well. We judge too quickly or unfairly with mixed motives, impure hearts, and prejudiced minds. The heart must be cleansed first in order to discern right judgment with grace and mercy rather than with ill will and vengeance.
Why does Jesus tell his followers to "not judge lest they be judged"? Jesus knew the human heart all too well. We judge too quickly or unfairly with mixed motives, impure hearts, and prejudiced minds. The heart must be cleansed first in order to discern right judgment with grace and mercy rather than with ill will and vengeance.
Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD), a wise early Christian
teacher and writer, comments on Jesus' exhortation to not condemn:
Do not judge, that is, unjustly, so that
you may not be judged, with regard to injustice. With the judgment that you
judge shall you be judged. This is like the phrase "Forgive, and it will
be forgiven you." For once someone has judged in accordance with justice,
he should forgive in accordance with grace, so that when he himself is judged
in accordance with justice, he may be worthy of forgiveness through grace. Alternatively,
it was on account of the judges, those who seek vengeance for themselves, that
he said, "Do not condemn." That is, do not seek vengeance for
yourselves. Or, do not judge from appearances and opinion and then condemn, but
admonish and advise. (COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S
DIATESSARON 6.18B.)
Grace and mercy
What makes true disciples of Jesus Christ different from those who do not know the Lord Jesus and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace - treating others not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated - with forbearance, mercy, and loving-kindness. God shows his goodness to the unjust as well as to the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God always seeks what is best for each one of us and he 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 unkind 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. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.
What makes true disciples of Jesus Christ different from those who do not know the Lord Jesus and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace - treating others not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated - with forbearance, mercy, and loving-kindness. God shows his goodness to the unjust as well as to the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God always seeks what is best for each one of us and he 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 unkind 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. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.
Overcome evil with mercy and goodness
How can we possibly love those who cause us grief, harm, or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who trust in his love and who seek his wisdom and help. The Lord is ready to work in and through us by his Holy Spirit, both to purify our minds and hearts and to help us do what is right, good, and loving in all circumstances. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5) God's love conquers all, even our hurts, injuries, fears, and prejudices. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment, and give us the courage to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Such love and grace has power to heal, restore, and transform us into the image of Christ. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?
How can we possibly love those who cause us grief, harm, or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who trust in his love and who seek his wisdom and help. The Lord is ready to work in and through us by his Holy Spirit, both to purify our minds and hearts and to help us do what is right, good, and loving in all circumstances. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5) God's love conquers all, even our hurts, injuries, fears, and prejudices. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment, and give us the courage to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Such love and grace has power to heal, restore, and transform us into the image of Christ. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?
"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom, pardon,
and joy. Transform my heart with your love that nothing may make me lose my
temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, or make me bitter towards
anyone."
A Daily Quote for Lent: The Practice of Mercy, by Augustine of
Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"The practice of mercy is twofold: when vengeance
is sacrificed and when compassion is shown. The Lord included both of these in
his brief sentence: 'Forgive, and you shall be forgiven; give, and it shall be
given to you.' This work has the effect of purifying the heart, so that, even
under the limitations of this life, we are enabled with pure mind to see the
immutable reality of God. There is something holding us back, which has to be
loosed so that our sight may break through to the light. In connection with
this the Lord said, 'Give alms, and behold, all things are clean to you.'
Therefore the next and sixth step is that cleansing of the heart." (excerpt from Letter 171A.2)
MONDAY, MARCH 13, LUKE 6:36-38
Lenten Weekday
(Daniel 9:4b-10; Psalm 79)
Lenten Weekday
(Daniel 9:4b-10; Psalm 79)
KEY VERSE: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (v 36).
TO KNOW: In Matthew's gospel, Jesus told his followers that they must be "perfect" in imitation of God who is perfect (Mt 5:48). This might be intimidating for all of us imperfect human beings. In Luke's gospel, instead of perfection, God's "mercy" is stressed (Hebrew, 'rachamim,' common to the word 'rechem,' womb, the love of a mother toward her unborn child). The word 'mercy' appears over 250 times in the Old Testament and is usually translated as "loving kindness" (Hebrew, hesed). God's steadfast love was demonstrated by his covenant faithfulness with his chosen people. God’s provisions are limitless; God’s grace is endless; God’s love is boundless. God will shower down immeasurable blessings upon those who are gracious to others. God cannot be outdone in generosity. As long as we share the things that God has given to us, we will never lack what we need for ourselves. Jesus said that his loving Father will absolve our sins at the last judgment if we pardon the wrongdoings of others.
TO LOVE: Loving Father, thank you for showing mercy and compassion to me, a sinner.
TO SERVE: Is there someone I need to forgive this Lent?
Monday 13 March 2017
Mon 13th. Dn 9:4-10; Lk 6:36-38.
In this special Lenten series – Darkness to light: An intimate journey with Jesus – our guest writer looks to the Gospel stories for answers to the questions that many of us ask when faced with difficult times.
In this special Lenten series – Darkness to light: An intimate journey with Jesus – our guest writer looks to the Gospel stories for answers to the questions that many of us ask when faced with difficult times.
Readings
'Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.... ' Luke 6:36
'Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.... ' Luke 6:36
Today I saw my beloved after two weeks of
chemotherapy: gaunt, hair nearly gone, warm eyes, a warm embrace. I felt
terrible, unable to find a word of hope. Perhaps my feelings showed.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine." Came the reply, "I know this
is hard on everyone, and I wish it wasn't. But there will be grace in
this." My beloved, facing death, shows a profound sensitivity to the
sufferings of others. This total embrace of suffering reveals total love. Is
this how we slowly move to understanding the message Jesus gives to his
disciples? Holy compassion comes from understanding that we are finite. In the
midst of intense suffering we learn that Jesus is present as divine companion
and ultimate hope.
ST. RODERICK
Roderick, also known as Ruderic, was a priest in Cabra, Spain
during the persecution of Christians by the Moors.
Roderick had two brothers, one was a Muslim and the other, a
fallen-away Catholic. One day, he tried to stop an
argument between his two brothers. However, his brothers turned on him and
as a result he was beaten into unconsciousness. The Muslim brother then
paraded Roderick through the streets proclaiming that he wished to become
a Muslim. His brother also told the authorities that Roderick had
converted to Islam.
When Roderic awoke, he renounced his brothers story and told
the authorities of his loyalty to the Catholic faith. The authorities accused
Roderick of apostacy under Sharia Law and he was imprisoned.While in
prison, he met a man named Solomon, also charged with apostasy.
After a long imprisonment, they were both beheaded.
LECTIO DIVINA: LUKE 6,36-38
Lectio Divina:
Monday, March 13, 2017
Lent Time
1) OPENING PRAYER
Just and holy God,
our loving Father,
you offered us your hand in friendship
and you sent us your Son Jesus
to go with us the road
of obedience and loyalty.
God, we often hurt this friendship,
we act as if we were not your sons and daughters.
See the look of shame on our faces.
Forgive us, for we count on you.
Accept our thanks
for continuing to take us as we are
and loving us notwithstanding our sins.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
our loving Father,
you offered us your hand in friendship
and you sent us your Son Jesus
to go with us the road
of obedience and loyalty.
God, we often hurt this friendship,
we act as if we were not your sons and daughters.
See the look of shame on our faces.
Forgive us, for we count on you.
Accept our thanks
for continuing to take us as we are
and loving us notwithstanding our sins.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
2) GOSPEL READING - LUKE 6,
36-38
'Be compassionate just as your Father is
compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and
you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and there
will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and
overflowing, will be poured into your lap; because the standard you use will be
the standard used for you.'
3) REFLECTION
• These three brief verses of today’s
Gospel (Lk 6, 36-38) are the final part of a brief discourse of Jesus (Lk 6,
20-38). In the first part of his discourse, he addresses himself to the
disciples (Lk 6, 20) and to the rich (Lk 6, 24) proclaiming four beatitudes for
the disciples (Lk6, 20-23), and four curses for the rich (Lk 6, 20-26). In the
second part, he addresses himself to all those who are listening (Lk 6, 27),
that is, the immense crowd of poor and sick, who had come from all parts (Lk 6,
17-19). The words which he addresses to this people and to all of us are
demanding and difficult: to love the enemy (Lk 6,27), not curse them (Lk 6,
28), offer the other cheek to the one who slaps you on one and do not complain
if someone takes what is ours (Lk 6, 29). How can this difficult advice be
understood? The explanation is given in the three verses of today’s Gospel,
from which we draw the centre of the Good News brought by Jesus.
• Luke6, 36: Be merciful as your
Heavenly Father is merciful. The Beatitudes for the disciples (Lk 6, 20-23) and
the curses against the rich (Lk 6, 24-26) cannot be interpreted as an occasion
for the poor to revenge against the rich. Jesus orders to have the contrary
attitude. He says: “Love your enemies!” (Lk 6, 27). The change or the
conversion which Jesus wants to bring about in us does not consist in merely
turning something to invert the system because in this way nothing would
change. He wants to change the system. The Novelty which Jesus wants to
construct comes from the new experience that he has of God Father/Mother full
of tenderness who accepts all, good and bad, who makes the sun shine on both
the good and on the bad and makes the rain fall on both good and bad (Mt 5, 5,45).
True love does not depend nor it can depend on what I receive from others. Love
must want the good of the other independently of what he does for me. Because
this is how God’s love is for us. He is merciful not only toward those who are
good, but with all, even with the “ungrateful and the evil” Lk 6, 35). The
disciples of Jesus should radiate this merciful love.
• Luke 6, 37-38: Do not judge and you
will not be judged. These last words repeat in a clearer way what Jesus had
said before: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you” (Lk 6, 31; cf.
Mt 7, 12). If you do not want to be judged, do not judge! If you do not want to
be condemned, do not condemn” If you want to be forgiven, forgive! If you want
to receive a good measure, give this good measure to others! Do not wait for
the other one to take the initiative, but you take it and begin now! And you
will see that it is like this!.
4) PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• Lent is a time of conversion. Which is
the conversion which today’s Gospel is asking of me?
• Have you already been merciful as the
Heavenly Father is?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Help us, God our Saviour,
for the glory of your name;
Yahweh, wipe away our sins,
rescue us for the sake of your name. (Ps 79,9)
for the glory of your name;
Yahweh, wipe away our sins,
rescue us for the sake of your name. (Ps 79,9)
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