Reflection
I will never not open a bag of chips and gripe about how much empty space there is. Or open a cereal box and not complain how the contents have settled to the point where it looks half empty.
Today’s Gospel speaks to that need we have for justice, for getting what we feel we deserve. But, of course, the truth of Scripture turns the wisdom of the world on its head. In the first reading, the prophet Daniel acknowledges his sinfulness and celebrates that—despite our shame—“yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness.” When we think about what we really deserve…yikes. I don’t even want to go there.
Jesus cares little about what we don’t want to hear: “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.” This could not be more clear and direct.
Yet it’s not negative; despite our sinfulness, this is the good news: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful...Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.” God’s not promising us a half-empty bag of chips. What he offers is abundant, spilling out, overflowing. But it’s not a bunch of Ruffles being offered: it is the tender loving mercy of our compassionate Father who is calling us to be more like Him.
Prayer
Loving Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness and love. Help us to be merciful as You are merciful.
TJ Bird Matarazzo, ’98, Member of the Worshipping Community
Scripture
First Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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