Gospel: Luke 6:36‐38
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 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, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
Reflection
When Jesus shares with his disciples that your Father is merciful, he is telling them that they should be merciful too. We are all made in God’s image, and Jesus says that we are the hands and feet of the Father.
If we are created in God’s image, why do we hate? Why do we judge? We were put on this earth to spread the good news and create peace in times of trouble. So why, when God needs us to helps others most, do we desert him? This Gospel is telling us that we need to open our eyes and reconnect with God.
If one person can stop condemning others, or stop judging those who need the most help, a chain reaction can form and grow into a community of love and faith. If we stop bullying and learn forgive, God will repay you and in return you will be showered with acceptance and love.
For the amount of forgiveness and love you give to others, you will get the same amount in return, all you need to do is put your trust in God.
Jenny Brandt, 17, Saint Viator High School
2012 VYC Delegate
- Being a Viatorian is important to me because it gives me confidence. I am able to openly share my faith with others and I have a community of faith-filled believers who support and love me know matter what. That reassurance gives me the courage to go out into the world and tell others about myself and about God.
- One thing I am doing to grow closer to God this Lenten Season is to focus more on others. I have been helping at local soup
kitchens and talking to students whom I don’t usually talk to. If I can make someone’s day just a little brighter, I know I’ve made a difference.