Jessel Pradeep Cutinha csc –
Readings: Dan 9:4-10; Lk 6:36-38
Jesus today asks us to be merciful and generous as our Heavenly Father is merciful and generous. The people of Israel had always experienced the merciful face of God. Israel saw God as merciful Father even when they were punished. Though God at times punished them he brought them back to him in compassionate love.
In the first reading of today Daniel speaks about the merciful nature of God. He points out that the Lord is steadfast in his love and always keeps the covenant. Israelites rebelled against God and acted wickedly by going away from. However, time to time God sent judges and prophets to bring them back to Him. Finally, he sent his only Son, Jesus to save the humankind. He revealed the merciful face and forgiving heart of the Father.
Today through the gospel Jesus gives us a set of instructions to be merciful like His Father. He asks us not to judge or condemn others rather to forgive. By forgiving we receive forgiveness and by being merciful we experience the mercy of God. Today’s message to be merciful is not an easy task. It demands sacrifices and conversion of our hearts.
Showing mercy and forgiving the one who has hurt us is not really an easy task. It requires a lot of courage, and we can acquire this through the person of Jesus through prayer and meditation.
Let us then ask the Lord to grant us the courage to be merciful and strength to forgive others. May we strive upon to be merciful as our Heavenly Father is merciful.