Day 13: “Be Merciful as Your Father is Merciful”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 6:36-38
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be measured to you.”

Reflection:

Mercy is at the heart of the Christian life. Jesus does not simply ask us to be merciful—He commands it: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Mercy is not about excusing wrongdoing but about reflecting the heart of God, who never withholds His love from us.

It is easy to expect mercy for ourselves but struggle to extend it to others. We hold onto grudges, justify our anger, and demand justice on our terms. But Jesus reminds us that the measure we use for others is the measure that will be used for us. If we desire mercy, we must first be willing to give it.

Abba Poemen once said:

“Do not dwell on the wrongs done to you, and you will find mercy. But if you judge harshly, the same judgment will be upon you.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Poemen 45)

Mercy does not mean ignoring sin but approaching others with the same patience and tenderness with which God approaches us. This requires humility—recognizing that we, too, are in need of mercy every day.

St. Faustina writes:

“He who knows how to forgive prepares for himself many graces from God. As often as I look upon the cross, so often will I forgive with all my heart.” (Diary of St. Faustina, 390)

Pope Francis reminds us of the radical nature of mercy:

“Mercy is that concrete action of love that, by forgiving, transforms and changes our lives. It is the very mystery of our faith. Mercy makes us realize that violence, resentment, and revenge have no meaning, and the first step toward mercy is to acknowledge that we need it ourselves.” (Misericordia et Misera, 2)

The more we reflect on God’s mercy, the more we become merciful ourselves. The key is not merely to try harder but to receive God’s mercy deeply, allowing it to transform our hearts.

Lent is a time to evaluate our hearts—are we quick to judge and slow to forgive? Or do we reflect God’s generous love, offering mercy even when it is difficult? Today, let us ask for the grace to love as God loves, forgiving as He forgives.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I extend mercy to others as freely as I receive it from God?
2. What grudges or judgments am I holding onto that I need to surrender?
3. How can I be an instrument of God’s mercy in my daily life?
4. When have I experienced the mercy of God, and how has it changed me?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are rich in mercy, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Teach me to reflect Your mercy in all my relationships. Help me to forgive, to let go of judgment, and to love as You love. May my heart be open to Your grace, that I may be merciful as You are merciful. Amen.