Monday 17 March 2025 - The measure you give

Monday 17 March 2025

Today is Monday the 17th of March, the feast of Saint Patrick, in the 2nd week of Lent. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Blessed are the Merciful’. Blessed are the merciful For they shall receive mercy, mercy Forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us Lord have mercy on us Show Your mercy through us Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:36-38 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. This season of Lent is a time when we’re helped to prepare for Easter, by fasting, by giving to those in need, and by prayerfully reflecting on the direction our life is taking. As you heard those words of Jesus, was there anything that struck you, perhaps about the direction in which your life is going? Did it make you feel uncomfortable – and, if so, why? Did something inside you say, “Yes – that’s it!” – and, if so, why? Jesus told us in that reading, “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”. Do you think of God as merciful and generous, or as someone who is out to condemn? What do you think of the picture of “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over into your lap”? How does it make you feel about God? What about the words, “do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”? Do you think that we human beings find it easier to condemn people than to forgive them? Why do you think that might be? Listen to the reading again. It’s not very long, so listen carefully, and as you hear it, notice if you feel invited to say anything to God in response to what you hear. Luke 6:36-38 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. Now, if there was anything you wanted to say to God, say it. Speak to God freely and openly. Tell God whatever is in your heart. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen