Mass Readings:

Gospel LK 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."

Reflection:

“Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.”

Meditating on God’s generosity fills me with Joy. Like many, I have clearly seen the hand of God helping me in specific situations. Not only when I consciously realize it, but always. He gives me EVERYTHING, and knowing that everything comes from Him fills me with even more Joy.

The knowledge that everything comes from Him also brings responsibility. The material goods that I receive during this earthly life have a temporary use and value; but most importantly, they have an eternal value associated to how I use them.

When we are generous with the gifts God has given us we grow emotionally and spiritually. When we give, we don't expect thanks and we don't expect prayers but still we do it. Why? Love, love moves us.

My heart fills with joy when I see others being generous and similarly it is saddened when I see others' selfishness. My beloved Jesus, how many times have I been the cause of your sadness? Please forgive me, and fill me with your generosity. I beg you for the grace to never make you sad again.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that have recourse to thee!