Be Merciful As Your Father
Introduction
Acknowledging sin, being sorry for it and seeking forgiveness is a reality that can only exist where there is genuine friendship and the awareness that this friendship has been hurt or even destroyed. Without friendship with God and with people, sin remains only a thing to be wiped off, sorrow is little more than a superficial regretting of something that should not have happened, and forgiveness is erasing the past. Sin, sorrow, pardon are to be seen in the light of the covenant relationship with a merciful God, who loved us first, and with our neighbour, with whom we are taken up in this union of life and love with God.
1 Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10
“Lord, great and awesome God,
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But 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.”
Responsorial Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13
R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name’s sake.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Verse before the Gospel: John 6:63c, 68c
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;
you have the words of everlasting life.
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.”
Commentary
Despite Israel’s sinfulness and waywardness, Daniel prays today for God’s forgiveness. He cannot make any claims on the basis of the conduct of his countrymen but relies wholly on God’s compassion. Compassion is a very distinct form of charity. The English word is derived from two Latin words meaning “to suffer with.”
When mistakes are made in life that deeply affect a person, it is not reproof that is sought. It is an understanding heart. When we say that a person is nonjudgmental, it does not mean that the person is indifferent to wrongdoing. It simply means that judgment is left to the Lord and the person is willing to stand with the wrongdoer through trying and difficult times.
When St. Francis expresses concern, that thieves seeking food have been turned away by his friars, it is not because he approves of the thieves’ criminal behavior. But he is concerned about their hunger, and he sends one of the friars to find them and provide them with food.
When someone dear to us decides to pursue a course of action that we know is wrong, we are not asked to alter our convictions. But by the same token that person should not be separated from our love. The Gospel today enjoins us to avoid judgment and condemnation and be willing to extend pardon just as we ask God to pardon us. If we measure our forgiveness in large portions, pardon will be extended to us by a generous God in equally large measure.
Be prepared. Charity will probably carry us in directions never imagined. Harshness brings no comfort. Condemnation is best left to the courts. The understanding person says simply, “I stand with you and am willing to move on.” If we do not forget others, we will not be forgotten ourselves.
Blessing
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Words to remember and to practice, with the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the holy Spirit. Amen!