The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Blessed Are The Merciful’.

Blessed are the merciful

For they shall receive mercy, mercy

Forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us

Lord have mercy on us

Show Your mercy through us

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

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, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.

This passage from Luke’s Sermon on the Plain, though short, gives much to reflect on.

Imagine that you are among the crowd hearing these words. Feel the atmosphere, the sense of the crowd; hear the murmur of others as they respond to Jesus’ words.

Hear his instruction: “Be merciful… Do not judge… Do not condemn… Forgive… Give.

Be aware of your response. Which words land gently - and which unsettle you?

Jesus offers a comparison: “As your Father is merciful.” You are asked to show mercy, but first you are reminded of God’s mercy. Consider times in your life when you have experienced that mercy - or perhaps you find it hard to believe that this applies to you.

Then come the words - judgment, condemnation, withholding. Who comes to mind when you hear them? Simply notice what rises in your heart.

Jesus then speaks of a measure - pressed down, shaken together, running over. What if God took the measure you use for others? How does that image make you feel?

As you listen to the passage again, think about mercy - not as an ideal, but how it feels in your life.

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, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” As this time of prayer draws to a close, share with Jesus your response to his words.

You have given all to me

To you, Lord, I return it

Everything is Yours

Do with it what You will

Give me only Your love and Your grace

That is enough for me

Amen