The Catholic Calendar for Monday, March 8, 2004
Monday of the Second Week of Lent
St. John of God, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 9:4-10
Psalm 79:8-9,11,13
Luke 6:36-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I’m always amazed at how the teachings of our Lord are contrary to the teachings of our society. For instance, in today’s gospel we’re instructed to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” The teaching of society would go something like: “Show no mercy, it’s a sign of weakness.”

Likewise, Jesus tells us to “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” While the world would tell us to “judge everyone, it puts you in a position of power. Condemn everyone for every petty offense they give and forgive no one for no one will ever forgive you.”

And lastly, the Lord says “Give and gifts will be given to you.” But the world says “be greedy and save up everything for yourself.”

Perhaps an effective way to follow Him is to do the exact opposite of what the world tells us to do!

- Don Claunch, sfo

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posted by joachim at 4:24 AM