Word to the Wise
Monday, March 14, 2022 - 2nd Week of Lent - Mon
[Dan 9:4b-10 and Luke 6:36-38]
Today's gospel passage comes from St. Luke's version of the Sermon on the Mount, which he has Jesus deliver on a plain! [6:17] What is important is the distinct interior thrust of the teaching from Jesus. How can mercy and generosity cooperate? Forgiveness can be difficult, but mercy urges more. Old hurts tend to erode mercy. We may "forgive" but do we exact a long running "penalty?"
At each celebration of the Eucharist, we begin with a "penitential rite." We ask God to have mercy on us. At each celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we ask God to have mercy on us. Jesus teaches that just as God is generous in mercy, so we must be. How does one "measure" this? Our exterior words and gestures are one way, but they must flow from an interior disposition. It is worthwhile to read two parables in this connection. Each of them is unique to the gospel in which they appear. The first is the parable of the Unforgiving Servant [Matthew 18:21-35]. The second is the parable of the Prodigal Son. [Luke 15:11-32]. After reading and reflecting on these two parables, we may get the first inklings of just how merciful we are!! AMEN