MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT MARCH 14, 2022
- Olivia M. Bannan
- Mar 14, 2022
- 2 min read
A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) was the 30th president of the United States of America. He was president over the Roaring Twenties. He took office on August 3, 1923, following the sudden death of President Warren G Harding.
He stayed at the Willard Hotel, across the street from the White House, while the first family moved out of the White House.
This story appears in many books written about President Coolidge. It became news only after President Coolidge died.
There was an incident between President Coolidge and a burglar on August 23, 1923.
President Coolidge was awakened by a burglar. The burglar had climbed through the window and was searching the President's clothes. He had a wallet, a watch, and a charm. Mr Coolidge said, " I wish you wouldn't take take that". The charm had an inscription, "Presented to Calvin Coolidge, Speaker of the House, by the Massachusetts General Court".
He then went on to say, "If you want money, let's talk this over." The young robber was stealing money to return to his college. President Coolidge took out $32 from his wallet and gave him the exact amount needed for the fare. Coolidge called it a loan so the young man would not have taken in theft.
The young man later paid back the amount in full.
We learn in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Mercy and Sin, 1847). "To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
We are reminded many times of God's love and mercy. President Coolidge, a strong Christian, lived this. He could have yelled for security, or thrown out the young man without helping him not get a criminal record. The young man's future could have gone down a very wrong path but President Coolidge forgave him, helped him as He embraced the mercy of God.
"Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins."
(Psalm 79)
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