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,
FEBRUARY 26, 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 is 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 cannot be outdone in generosity. God will shower down immeasurable blessings upon those who are generous to others. 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 26
February 2018
St Terasius.
Daniel 9:4-10. Psalm 78(79):8-9, 11, 13. Luke 6:36-38.
Lord, do not deal with us as our sins deserve—Psalm 78(79):8-9,
11, 13.
‘Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.’
We are called to a lofty vocation. In today’s gospel, we are
enjoined to strive towards treating others, both friends and enemies, without
judgement or condemnation. Often our reactions to those we meet are glib and
dismissive. In fact, we are rarely truly present to others, but only half
there.
Think of the dinner date with the mobile phone or half listening
to someone with our mind elsewhere, the vague nod, the fleeting smile as we
glance at our wristwatch and pass on. We are called to give our time and full
attention the people in our lives, to show our love of God through our love of
our neighbour, to replace our self-absorption with a whole-hearted concern for
those in need of help.
Let us love God because God has first loved us.
Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin
Saint of the Day for February 26
(October 6, 1888 – October 20, 1922)
Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin’s Story
If anyone knew rejection, ridicule and disappointment, it was
today’s saint. But such trials only brought Maria Bertilla Boscardin closer to
God and more determined to serve him.
Born in Italy in 1888, the young girl lived in fear of her father,
a violent man prone to jealousy and drunkenness. Her schooling was limited so
that she could spend more time helping at home and working in the fields. She
showed few talents and was often the butt of jokes.
In 1904, she joined the Sisters of Saint Dorothy and was
assigned to work in the kitchen, bakery and laundry. After some time Maria
received nurses’ training and began working in a hospital with children
suffering from diphtheria. There the young nun seemed to find her true
vocation: nursing very ill and disturbed children. Later, when the hospital was
taken over by the military in World War I, Sister Maria Bertilla fearlessly
cared for patients amidst the threat of constant air raids and bombings.
She died in 1922 after suffering for many years from a painful
tumor. Some of the patients she had nursed many years before were present at
her canonization in 1961.
Reflection
This fairly recent saint knew the hardships of living in an abusive
situation. Let us pray to her to help all those who are suffering from any form
of spiritual, mental, or physical abuse
LECTIO DIVINA: LUKE 6,36-38
Lectio Divina:
Monday, February 26, 2018
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 on 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 on 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
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."
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 (Lk 6:20-23), 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 center of the Good News brought by Jesus.
Luke 6:36: 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 take revenge against the rich. Jesus orders us to have the contrary
attitude. He says: Love your enemies! (Lk 6:27). The change which Jesus wants
to bring about in us does not consist in merely changing something to invert
the system, because in this way nothing would change. He wants to change the
system. The idea which Jesus wants to portray comes from the new experience
that He has of God the Father, 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 can it
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, then 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. You take it and begin now! 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?
What are my limits in being merciful and
forgiving?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Help us, God our Savior,
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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