Commentary on the Readings for Monday, March 17, 2014: The theme of today’s readings is mercy and forgiveness, which characterize God, and to which we are called to emulate if we are to receive His mercy and forgiveness. The first reading is from the book of Daniel. Daniel’s prayer to God is an example for us. Daniel refers to it as “his confession” but it is mostly about the sins of the nation, as Daniel prays in solidarity with his people suffering in captivity in Babylon. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 B.C. and the third deportation took place. Daniel was one of those Israelites deported. Daniel confesses the guilt of the people who departed from the commandments and failed to listen to the prophets that God sent to call them to his repentance. But Daniel knows that God is forgiving and merciful to a truly repentant heart and he displays his repentant heart. Daniel has prepared for this confession by fasting and penance as men of God are wont to do. He sets an example for us not just when we are in dire need of relief, but always, to seek reconciliation with God and His grace to overcome the temptations and sins in which we are caught up. The Church is our mother and welcomes sinners providing the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the call to penance during the Lenten season especially. The Saints are our friends and pray for us if we ask their help. The Responsorial is taken from Psalm 79, which was prayed after the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Like Daniel, the psalmist speaks out on behalf of the people imploring God the Father, “Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.” He begs that “those doomed to death,” whether literal or figuratively by their enslavement and exile, be freed by the great power of their merciful God. In the Gospel Jesus urges us to be merciful as God the Father is merciful. We are not to judge or condemn others, but rather “forgive and you will be forgiven.” Jesus says that the measure we give out, whether that be merciful or not, is the measure we shall receive. One of the great Early Church Fathers, St. Gregory of Nyssa, comments, “Be not then rash to judge harshly of your servants, lest you suffer the like. For passing judgment calls down a heavier condemnation; as it follows, Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. For he [God] does not forbid judgment with pardon.” Mercy and forgiveness are proper to God. We are called to emulate God in this for He is holy and merciful, forgiving and loving. Daniel humbly took responsibility for his people in his confession. We should use the season of Lent to take responsibility for our own transgressions, confess them like Daniel and with a renewed spirit of God, offer mercy and forgiveness to those who trespass against us, as we pray in the “Our Father.” The prayers of a righteous man have much effect (James 5:16). Readings: usccb.org/bible/readings/031714.cfm Audio: ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_03_17.mp3
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 05:24:32 +0000
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