Last Saturday we heard in the gospel passage: Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect: go the extra step, go the extra mile, go the extra bit of understanding: and you will be rewarded greatly. Today we read: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging, stop condemning, forgive and give – so that you might have favorable judgment on yourself, so that you might not be condemned, so that you might be forgiven, so that you might receive what you need when you need it – even in good measure.
Just keep in mind, says the Lord, the measure with which you measure will be the exact and same measure by which you will receive! As it says in another place treat others as you would have them treat you! Or again, show mercy and you will receive mercy! And who would not want a merciful judgment on any day, but in particular on that Last Day of final judgment!
For those who keep the commandments and foster the spirit of the commandments – the spirit of the commandments will foster them one day; but for those who disregard the commandments and ignore the spirit of the commandments – the spirit of the commandments will one day disregard and ignore them – and they will have chosen to reside in a place without light, warmth, peace, God or companionship forever!
We know all these things to be so because they come from the words of God – the words of Jesus - that are Spirit and life – Spirit and life for here and hereafter. We affirm them with an act of faith and belief this day; and ask the Lord not to deal with us according to our sins. Have mercy on us, Lord; and we will have mercy on others!
Today, if you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts.
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