Thursday 12 September 2024

Today is Thursday the 12th of September in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Dieu ne peut que donner son amour: “God can only give faithful love, tenderness and forgiveness.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. 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.’ ‘Love your enemies… bless those who curse you…give to everyone who begs from you…do to others as you would have them do to you…’ As you’ve listened to these words of Jesus today, perhaps a current situation or a troubled relationship has come to mind? Take a moment to let this thought come into focus, offering it to Jesus as if he is beside you. Continuing in your conversation, reflect for a moment on what is difficult about this situation or relationship. What disturbs you most? Reflect on how you experience this disturbance, and its impact on your daily life. As you listen again, listen to Jesus’ instructions… how might Jesus' words help or heal the situation that has come to mind? As you come to the end of your prayer time, ask in a word, for the gift you need for today, perhaps grace, or forgiveness for example, and thank him for his presence with you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.