Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : Second Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 6:36-38*

*FIRST READING - Dn 9:4b-10*

*Various Ways of becoming Merciful*

*“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.*

*1) Message of being Meriful to others*

The Gospel of the day speaks about being merciful to others

The Gospel also shows the best model to be followed by us and adopting the merciful ways in our life 

That is why the Gospel says *Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful*

So Heavenly Father is the best example to all of us in adopting the meriful ways and to become the merciful people 

*2) The various ways highlighted in the Gospel*

In adopting and practicing the merciful ways in our day today life, the Gospel gives us the following ways. They are as follows

*A) Not to Judge others*

The person who knows the complete truth can judge. Only God knows everything. So only God can judge every one 

We being human beings, are limited. Our knowledge is limited. So as Jesus said, let's not judge one another with Half knowledge. 

So by this we can really become like Merciful Father. 

*B) Stop Condemning others*

When we condemn others, we definitely say that the person has done something wrong and he/she deserves punishment. 

As human beings we can not punish another person, since we have no authority to condemn another person. 

So by not condemning we become merciful like the Heavenly Father

*C) Forgiveness*

The Gospel also mentions about forgiveness, in the context of becoming merciful

Forgiveness is one of the main ways of showing mercy to others 

By forgiveness alone we can become like Heavenly Father, who is merciful. 

*D) Generosity*

The Gospel says *Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.*

Generosity is the reflection of Mercy.

Only a person who is merciful like Heavenly Father, can be generous towards others. 

So generosity is another way of becoming merciful like Heavenly Father

*E) Other Kingdom Values*

There are also other kingdom values which will help us to become like Merciful Father

Values like, humility, sacrifice, patience, simplicity, love, endurance, sharing, adjustment, care and concern for others. 

These kingdom Values will help us to become like Heavenly Father.

*3)  Am I a merciful Person?*

Showing mercy is a divine Quality. 

How much am I able to feel for others? 

Am I a rude, or arrogant or cruel person? 

Do I take much time to feel for others? 

Am I a hard hearted person?  

*4) Lent is a time to become like Heavenly Father, who is merciful?*

We are in Lent. Perfect time to reflect about Merciful Father and to practice this virtue in our life 

All the above mentioned values will help us to practice this virute and to become like Heavenly Father

*If So, am I ready??*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*