Thamajoy Reang csc –
Readings: Dan 9: 4b – 10; Lk 6: 36 – 38
The first reading shows us how prophet Daniel prays and confesses to God the sinful and shameful deeds of the people. Prophet Daniel feels the love and mercy that the Lord has shown to the people of the land, but he also feels sorry and ashamed for the people who have failed to respond to his love and mercy. God has been righteous and good to the people in every situation, but the people have wandered away from the Lord and disobeyed his commandments and laws.
The people have hardened their hearts and ignored the voice of the Lord spoken through the prophets. But prophet Daniel urges the people to come back to the Lord and follow his commandments, for God is loving and merciful. He forgives all our sins.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus telling his disciples, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”. We know that we are sinners and unworthy before God, but Jesus invites us all to be merciful and show love even while we are still sinners.
The readings of the day invite us not to hate but love and follow His commandments. Not to be merciless but merciful, not to be judgmental but complimentary, not to condemn but praise, and not to blame but forgive. As we are in the middle of Lent, let us use our spiritual ability to practice the Gospel values in our lives.