+We have just heard from the prophet Daniel of how God is a God of
compassion and forgiveness. Then in our gospel, Jesus telling us to
“be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” leaves us with much to
ponder. First of all, that we are now sharers in the Father’s own
divine life for how could we possibly be so merciful without the
Father’s life living in us? Maybe this is the whole point of Lent,
taking the time to become aware of just how wonderfully blessed we all
are. If I know God to be truly my Father, that I am a sharer in God’s
very own life as are those around me, then I will not judge, I will
not condemn. I will be able to give generously for there has been
poured into my heart a love that is without measure, shaken down and
overflowing. What we celebrate here at this altar is just this
overflowing love God has for us.
Dan. 9:4b-10; Lk 6:36-38