Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 17, 2025

Monday of the 2nd Week of Lent

Scripture Text: Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today is drawn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus speaks to us of the LORD’s loving mercy and calls us to extend mercy toward others. He tells us that we will receive what we give.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I truly treat others as I myself wish to be treated? Always?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your mercy and love know no equal. You command us to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated. You command us to be people of love and justice. And your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who came among us, revealed your great love for us and your desire for our salvation most powerfully upon the cross of Calvary. Send your Spirit to stir within us your transformative love, to increase our capacity for loving kindness and mercy towards one another. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.