Daily Reflection for Monday, March 14, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031422.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10
Responsorial: Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“The measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Luke 6:38b
Jesus’ words challenge us and yet we are comforted knowing that he loved us enough to die for our sins. So . . . there’s some wiggle room. We are forgiven. We can mess up and still go to Heaven.
However, Jesus’ words in today’s reading are rather chilling. We will be measured as we measure others. We will receive what we give. We will be judged as we judge others. I’m not feeling so good about simply striving to be a Christian. I need to BE a Christian.
Jesus makes it clear in Luke 6:37. Stop judging. Stop Condemning. Forgive and you will be forgiven. How often do I, in my heart, measure and judge others?
What about the people spewing hateful words, lies, and actions? What about the people who hurt children, oppress the poor, and perpetuate injustice? How about that guy who cut me off in traffic and flipped a lewd hand gesture?
Jesus says, “the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you”. How do I want to be measured for my failings?
I want a hug, a smile, kindness. I want love. I want forgiveness. I want someone to see good in me and care enough to show me the way to be a better person.
How can I be that for others, and give them a measure of God’s love? A silent prayer or God bless you? A smile or kind word? If there is a personal interaction, the situation will require asking God to be involved. If I want God’s will, not mine, I must get “me” out of God’s way by setting aside my desired outcome.
I can’t think of any better gift than to ask God to bless someone. “God Bless You.” It is a gift that requires nothing from me but to stop judging and condemning.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty