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.”

Luke 6:36-38

Here are the complete readings for Monday, March 17, 2025

(“Christ and the Woman Caught in Adultery” by Lucas Cranach the Younger)

This teaching makes so much sense and is so difficult to follow. Judging others is so woven into our culture that it must be unlearned. How can we be aware of where we are in this journey of unlearning our way of relating to other people? How can we be good to ourselves while we do this? Just as we learn to approach others by being fully present and without bias, consider how each day we can learn not to judge ourselves as unworthy. Is Jesus trying to tell us that the only true way we can avoid judging others is to accept that we ourselves are fundamentally loved and worthy of being loved?

Listen to your brothers and sisters,
be compassionate with them in their difficulties,
bear with them in their weaknesses,
encourage and support them.
Affirm your brothers and sisters in their gifts,
for by doing so you enable them to realize the gifts that God has given them
for service. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you love us just as we are. May we learn to accept our own giftedness a little better each day. We are grateful for the measure you have provided us. Your grace is overflowing. Help us share this gift that you have given to us.

Amen