THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday of the second week of Lent, 2022

Dan 9:4b-10

Ps 79

Luke 6:36-38

Give and it shall be given

Dear friends in Christ, we value gifts that we receive particularly when they are the kind of things we expect from people. Beyond gifts, we value the love and affection of family and friends. We often appreciate the time others give to help us achieve certain things we desire. Do we however give generously to others?

The first reading of today (Daniel 9:4b-10) is a plea for forgiveness offered on behalf of the people because they have failed to show love, in return for the love and kindness bestowed upon them by God. “…we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances; we have not listened to your servants the prophets who spoke in your name…” The author recognizes that unto God belongs mercy and compassion and so begs for pardon and mercy. Daniel recognizes the sins of the community and the fact that it is only God who can deliver the people from their present predicament. 

In the Gospel (Luke 6:36-38) Jesus demands that we who ask for the mercy of God must also show mercy to others. “Be merciful, even as your father is merciful.” This must bring to mind the story of the servant who was forgiven his debt by the master but could not even show compassion to a fellow servant who begged for time to pay. Jesus, therefore, tells us that we will be treated in the same measure we treat others. “Judge not and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you…” While we cannot surpass God in generosity, we are called to strive towards that perfection that is in God.

St Francis in praying for peace says, “It is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned…” We generally believe that givers do not lack. It is however of great concern that we live in an environment where a few control the greater part of the resources rightly or otherwise and some are often not willing to share. Greed rules many, to such extent that, they are often intent on taking what belongs to others and are never satisfied even when they have more than they need. A Christian must shun greed as it is capable of crippling the love of neighbor and closing the door to God’s love. All we have and are have come as gifts from God, it is only right therefore to reflect that generosity of God in our own lives.

Let us pray: Lord, we thank you for the gift of life and the good things you have bestowed upon us. Give us the generosity of heart to respond to the needs of those around us. Amen. 

+Remain blessed