March 1, 2010 Monday of Lent

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.” - Luke 6:36-38

A Facebook friend posted recently that all religions teach hatred and bigotry. I firmly believe that is not the case, but if that is the impression that we who practice religion actively are giving, then we really do have some work to do. Jesus' message was one of love. He told us that we need to love one another as we love ourselves. This passage from St. Paul is yet another reminder of that. It is not our place to judge and condemn our brothers and sisters. It is our job to love and pray for them and lead by our own example (being always aware that none of us is perfect). How can we show love and mercy and forgiveness today?