Kindness is Looking Beyond: Monday of the Second Week of Lent
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36
In his Sermon on the Plain, Jesus delivers insightful teaching on love, mercy and the nature of the Kingdom of God: “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." (Luke 6:36-38)
Why Did Jesus Say This?
Jewish society at that time, like many today, often judged people based on their outward righteousness. Jesus warns against a self-righteous, condemning attitude and encourages forgiveness.
Jesus invites us to follow the Father's example of love. This passage reminds us that how we treat others, whether we judge, forgive, or give generously, will come back to us in the same way. It’s a powerful lesson and the standard we set for others will be the one used for us.
Jesus Invites Us
In our daily lives, it's easy to fall into the habit of judging others or withholding forgiveness. Jesus invites us to mirror God's endless mercy. When we choose compassion over criticism and generosity over withholding, we uplift others and open ourselves to receive the same.
St. Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938) was a Polish nun and mystic, known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. Her visions and writings have been recorded in her diary titled "Divine Mercy in My Soul,"
"Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue."
Her prayer highlights the importance of seeing others through the lens of mercy. By looking for the goodness in those around us. This attitude is supporting and uplifting toward our neighbors, building a community rooted in love and understanding.
Pray
Merciful Jesus, grant us the grace to see others as you see them. Help us to look beyond outward appearances and recognize the beauty within each soul. May our thoughts, words, and actions reflect your divine mercy, leading us to support and uplift those around us. Amen.