Monday, March 13, 2017

Lent calendar prayer and reflection for 13 March

Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Give, and there will be gifts for you.

Luke 6:36-38
Jesus’ opening words: “Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate” are a thread for the entire reading. 

He asks that while we pardon people, we should first aim not to condemn or judge – but to treat everyone fairly in the first place. 

Compassion and giving take precedence over our personal prejudice.

The passage brings to mind the ‘Golden Rule’ stated in Matthew’s Gospel (7:7-12) as “Treat others as you would like them to treat you.”

Pray

God of all, rescue us from falling to that place of coldness where we begrudge others who have done wrong. Have mercy on us, and set our hearts on fire with your warm, compassionate love. Amen.