Monday March 14, 2022
“We stand shamefaced before you, O Lord”, is a paraphrase of the reading from Daniel. Daniel is admitting that the Israelites have not been faithful, and that they recognize their evildoing. He also reminds God, that God is compassionate and forgiving. The first step is recognition. Jesus warns, in the Gospel from Luke, that we are not to judge others. For if we do, then we will be judged. Instead, we are to show compassion and love generously. It might be good for me to remember that all too often, I am the one in need of forgiveness. How can I expect mercy if I never show it? For, “the measure we measure out to others will be measured out to us”. But if we recognize our shortcomings and have a generous heart, then gifts will be showered upon us. Gifts too numerous to count! I have the feeling that I am not to interpret this to mean that I will be blessed in this life, even though the understanding in Jesus’ time was that if you were wealthy, had children, etc., then God had blessed you. No, I think this means for me now, that if I can find it in my heart to be gentle, kind, loving, and forgiving, and trust that my generosity will not cause me to go hungry, my blessings will be bestowed in Heaven. That is the best gift of all!! The biggest hurdle is to keep believing that this world is a passing phase in my existence. I need to keep my eyes on the prize. Today I’m going to look back to see where I’ve failed, ask forgiveness, and hopefully amend my ways. Pray for me.