The real measure of mercy...
Reflections on the readings for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 24, 2019): 1SM 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23; PS 103:1-2,3-4,6,8,10,12-13; 1COR 15:45-49; LK 6:27-38
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Jesus wants a great deal from us.
During this sermon, He keeps urging us to do things that seem impossible from a human perspective. And they are. But He is not speaking only as the Son of Mary, but also as the Son of God. If we want to receive God’s mercy, knowing our own unworthiness, we must do all that our Lord asks of us. And that means being merciful to others: people we love and people we despise, people who care about us and people who hate us. Whether we look down on others from personal dislike or because of their beliefs, backgrounds or any other reason, we have to make another choice. We have to change our way of thinking, speaking and acting. We need to pay attention to Christ’s message. “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” (Luke 6:37-38).
God is never outdone in generosity. There is no sacrifice we can make that equals the gift of salvation that our Redeemer won for us. And there is no prize we can desire that equals the heaven He has planned for us. God loves us and He wants us to love each other. After all, He wants all of His beloved children to live together for all eternity.
Suggested missionary action: This week, let’s make a sincere effort to stop judging and condemning others. Let’s offer forgiveness to anyone who hurts us. Then let’s turn these attitudes and actions into habits.
