Monday of the 2nd Week of Lent
Dan 9:4-10
Lk 6:36-38
“…because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus told His disciples and really, to us as well, not to judge nor condemn; lest we be judged or condemned. On the other hand, we should be compassionate, grant pardon and give generously, as our Heavenly Father is compassionate, grants pardon and gives freely.
At first glance, it all seems very doable. Take a step back and really think about it for a minute. It is in our fallen human nature to judge others and perhaps condemn them. Ask yourself truthfully, how many times have we judged a person based on first impressions — on how they look, how they talk and act and by their work and people they associate with? To be honest, I am guilty of jumping to conclusions about other people.
In this Gospel, Jesus is talking more than just jumping conclusions about others. He is talking about judging and condemning others, even if they have hurt us, offended us and wronged us in some ways. This is difficult, really difficult. It is almost ingrained into us that we seek justice and retribution. And if these cannot be had, we feel slighted, angry and sometimes despair.
However, if we want to be forgiven and pardoned for our sins against God, we need to learn how to forgive and pardon anyone who has offended or hurt us. If we want to receive mercy, compassion and graces from God, we need to learn how to be merciful, compassionate and to give generously. How can we expect to receive without asking, to ask without giving?
God is just and merciful. He is not only our Heavenly Father, but father to all as all are made in His image. If we are not willing to offer and give the same amount as we want to receive from our God, isn’t that being presumptuous of us?
Brothers and sisters, remember that the measure you give is the measure you receive. So, be generous as our Heavenly Father is generous.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: Our most merciful Lord, thank you for Your generosity in saving us, giving to us even until death. Your resurrection has purchased for us eternal salvation. May we learn from Your example and give until it hurts, until there is nothing left to give, except for Your love.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your infinite love and mercy. For not giving up on us despite how many times we have been disobedient and went our own way, and for always taking us back into Your arms and back into Your family.
OXYGEN 
Leave a comment