DAILY GRACE

September 10, 2020, Thursday of the 23rd Week of Ordinary Time

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 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; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’

The Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Meditation:

       ‘Do good . . pray for . . give . . . love . . . forgive . . . ”

When I read this section of Jesus’ teachings, I always seem to snag on the part where Jesus says, “the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” It makes me shiver when I imagine the half plateful that would be placed in front of me! Jesus’ words make me reflect on how generous I am to others. He is giving us a way of life based on honesty, lending, gentility, loving concern, and selfless-giving. Am I up to this?

I picture Jesus here speaking to a large group of people who want to hear what he is teaching, people who are more interested in the trials and challenges of everyday life than in the intricacies of the Law. Jesus is sharing his view of a life lived as God’s child, and it is a picture of light, goodness, reaching out, mercy — all done with the courage that comes from believing the best about one another. Jesus is asking me to live that life. This is his recipe for life. The ingredients are truly demanding! Still, I cannot turn my attention away from them; for they are also deeply and strangely attractive!

 Prayer

Lord,  give me some of the infinite goodness of your heart, a heart that knows the secrets and yearnings of every heart, and loves us all into gratitude and hope.

Contemplation

Jesus, make my heart like yours.

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