Praise be to Jesus Christ
There was a man who owned a small shop in a village. One evening, an old poor woman came to the shop to buy some rice. She gave a handful of coins to the owner of the shop and said, “This is what all I have. Could you please give me something for this?” The manager counted the coins and understood that the money was not enough. He looked at the old woman and smiled and took a big bag of rice and gave her. The old woman was amazed and said, “But I do not have enough money.” The manager responded, “Take it; this is a free bag I got when I took all the things of the shop.
Many years passed. The manager of the shop encountered financial problems, and his shop was nearly empty and about to close. Surprisingly, one day, a wealthy young man entered the shop and took everything remained in the shop, giving a good sum. As the manager looked at him in wonder, the young man said, “Years ago, you gave my mother a big bag of rice when she had practically nothing. Today, I am just repaying that kind-heartedness.”
Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “Give, and it will be given to you.” The measure we use for others will be used for us. This is a deep truth. When we give mercy, kindness, compassion and love, we get it in return. As someone said, “Life is like a fertile land. If we sow the seeds of compassion, love and forgiveness, in the fullness time, we will reap a harvest of blessings.
God’s mercy is greater than our weaknesses. Jesus tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” When we think of God, what do we see? A strict judge or a loving Father? The Bible is filled with stories of God’s mercy. Think of the Prodigal Son. He wasted his life, but when he returned, his father did not scold him. Instead, he ran to him with love. God treats us the same way. He does not count our mistakes but welcomes us with open arms.
We also see mercy in the life of saints. Saint John Vianney once said, “The Lord is more eager to forgive us than a mother to snatch her child from the fire.” He spent hours hearing confessions because he wanted people to experience God’s mercy.
The Old Testament also teaches us about mercy. When Joseph’s brothers betrayed him, he had the power to take revenge. But he chose forgiveness and said, “Do not be afraid. You planned evil against me, but God turned it for good.” His mercy saved his family.
Jesus not only asks us to be merciful but also warns us, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” We live in a world where people are quick to condemn. We judge others based on their past, their mistakes, or their failures. But Jesus reminds us to look at others with love, not with suspicion. Before pointing at others, we should look into our own hearts.
We must ask ourselves, how do we treat others in our families, parishes, and workplaces? Do we judge, or do we show mercy? Do we measure others with love, or do we measure them with harshness? What we give is what we will receive.
Let us pray: Lord, fill our hearts with mercy so that we may love and forgive as You do. Amen.
A very helpful homily that we can practice. Thanks Fr. for sharing.
Good reflation