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March 13, 2017

In the first reading, praying for God’s chosen people, Israel, Daniel prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness for all the failures and infidelities of the people of Israel in their dealings with their God.

In the Gospel reading from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus tells us to be merciful just as our Father in heaven is merciful, not to judge and condemn others so that we would not be similarly judged and condemned, and to be generous in giving so that we would receive much in return.

Being aware of our weaknesses and shortcomings, we should be ready to forgive those who have wronged us. We should be ready to give others a “second chance,” just as we pray to God to give us “second chances” when we fail before him. We should be generous to God and to others: For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back.”

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 33, Issue 2

<< Monday, March 13, 2017 >>

Daniel 9:4-10
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Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13

Luke 6:36-38
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ABBA'S CHILDREN

"Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate." �Luke 6:36

The Church emphasizes that we, God's children, must be like God our Father. We must be compassionate and merciful as is God our Father (Lk 6:36). We must be "good to the ungrateful and the wicked" as is God our Father (Lk 6:35).

God the Father graces us to become like Himself by calling us not to judge and condemn other people (Lk 6:37). "The Father Himself judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son" (Jn 5:22). After we are unemployed as judges, we are free to be employed in forgiving and giving (Lk 6:37-38). God the Father constantly forgives. His Son Jesus taught us to ask Him to forgive us (see Mt 6:12) seventy times seven (Mt 18:22). We too forgive constantly in imitation of our Father and by His power. When we have unclenched our unforgiving hands and hearts, we can forgive into giving (see Mt 6:11-12). Like the father of the prodigal son, we can give robes, shoes, and rings (Lk 15:22). Like Abba, we can give a great celebration (see Lk 15:23-24) and join in the greater joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:7).

Be more like the Father.

Prayer: Abba....

Promise: "Yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against You and paid no heed to Your command, O Lord, our God, to live by the law You gave us through Your servants, the prophets." �Dn 9:9-10

Praise: Curt's back hurt so much that he could no longer work, and he could barely rise from his easy chair. Despite the pain, Curt responded in faith to God's call to become a caretaker for a retreat center. Now, with his health improved, Curt maintains a busy schedule, doing physical work so God's people can be renewed.