We all fail, in varying degrees, to keep the Lord’s commandments. One example is that the vast majority of us may not have killed another human being, but how many times have we assassinated someone’s name with our words, harboured malicious thoughts or pretended the person does not exist? One may say that the thoughts and words are justified and valid. But this same mentality will be owned by the one who actually killed another. Jesus gives us a command in today’s gospel, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk. 6:36). Our God is full of compassion and forgiveness (Dn. 9:9). Living by the commandments of God is challenging. For every command from God, we will have reasons, experiences, self-interest and excuses why we break them. We who serve the Lord are called to imitate Him. By following this command to be merciful to others, we not only receive His mercy but also reveal His love to all. Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your mercy which saves us. Grant us the grace to follow Your command to be merciful to others. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031819.cfm