A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

27 "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.

30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.

31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.

32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

37" Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back." The Gospel of the Lord.

REFLECTION: " Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

What AILS you?

Daily, maybe hourly, we are faced with extending mercy to others. Our Lord has told us so many times--all we do for him will not go unrewarded. NOTHING done for God will be fruitless. All good done for God will be meritorious. The difficulty in overcoming an enemy is more meritorious than the good will to one whom we love.

How can we change our attitude to those who hate us, mistreat us, hit us, curse us, ridicule us, laugh at us, strike us, judge us, lie to us, cheat on us, berate us, belittle us, and say hurtful things to us or about us? How can we show mercy ?

Mercy is all in our attitude and our attitude depends on what AILS us.

(Aware, Insight, Love, Smile)

Are we...

Aware that we have our weaknesses and fears and sometimes we interject our feelings unto someone? What is it about us that turns someone off or sets someone off? Are we aware that we might not be the most charming, witty, easy to get along with person this side of the Brazos River? Should we try to change for the better and offer this to God?

Do we have …

Insight as to why the person is acting a certain way, or being offensive.?

Take a step back and before you react see if you can see the other person as one who is wanting and needing help. Or maybe you are the offender and you need to see that an apology is in order.

Do we follow the way of Jesus.....

Love seeks no revenge nor broods--bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Do we put the …..

Smile of Jesus unto the life of anyone we meet? (PAPA legacy)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I thank you for tempering your justice with love and mercy. May we find ourselves worthy of entering your Kingdom and forever spending time with you. Amen

Please pray for our priests--