Monday of the Second Week
At this point in Lent, after days of reflection and meditation, of moderation and fortitude, we might not like what we see inside ourselves. For as much as we like to believe during most of the year that we’re doing our best, we can’t hide during Lent. We lament in the first reading that we have been so incredibly sinful; we have made an ugly, deplorable mess of things on earth, despite having endless resources and support from God. And so His steadfast love knocks the wind out of us; He has every reason to be vengeful and punitive. We cry out during Mass that we are “unworthy” that the Lord “should enter under our roof.” In a few weeks, we’ll remember this feeling as Jesus suffers on the cross for us. How much pain Jesus endures, all for us, who have done so little in return!
Yet in the Gospel, Jesus instructs us to “be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful.” Surely, this is a reminder for us to be better toward others. But could this also be a reminder to show mercy toward ourselves? Jesus tells us: “Stop condemning and you will not be condemned, forgive and you will be forgiven.” If we stop condemning ourselves as forcefully as we do in the first reading, might we see ourselves as capable of goodness? Might it take forgiveness toward both our neighbors and ourselves to open our hearts to God’s own radical mercy and love? To continue inviting the Lord under our roofs?
Prayer
Lord, it is in pardoning others that we, too, are pardoned for our sins; may we have the faith and the strength to extend mercy toward all, and open our hearts to Your love. Amen.
Mackenzie Faber, ’18
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