Monday of the Second Week in Lent, March 17, 2025

Gospel

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."

Reflection

I think this message is a good one to sit and meditate with during Lent. It forces us to self reflect on our actions and behaviors towards others. It also reminded me of a picture my sister shared with me before Lent, showing things you could give up beyond just food and fasting which served as a meaningful reminder of the deeper purpose of this season (and is the picture I included above). Jesus' message in this Gospel is for us to be merciful and forgiving, just like God is with us..."Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful". It’s all too easy to judge or hold grudges, but Jesus calls us to let go of that and instead show kindness and understanding. Even though forgiving others isn’t always easy, when we do, we open ourselves up to the peace and freedom that comes from God. Jesus also reminds us to be generous, as when we give freely and without expecting anything back, God promises to bless us even more, "Give and gifts will be given to you...For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you". Although generosity shouldn’t be driven just by the hope of being rewarded, I think practicing generosity consistently can help shape our hearts and strengthen our ability to make kind and selfless choices more naturally.