Homily: March 17, 2025, Second Monday in Lent (Measure).

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"For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

This is one of the more practical teachings of Jesus, and from our own life experiences, we know it to be true. When we show love, people often respond with love. When we are compassionate, we usually receive compassion in return.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” God’s mercy is constant, consistent, unconditional. We deserve death and punishment, but God waives it off, taking on our death and punishment on Himself. That is mercy. And He tells us to do the same, not on our own strength, but we can imitate, reflect and emulate how God does it.

God is merciful, because He loves truly and is generous.

Love and generosity are painful virtues. Often, love may not be accepted, it can be rejected. Often generosity may not be appreciated, it can be taken for granted.

That is how the world has treated God’s love and generosity, but He remains faithful and constant. So, regardless how others respond to our love and generosity, we give like God gives, and He gives freely, without limitations. In John 3:34, Jesus reminds us, “He does not ration His gift of the Spirit.”

God’s generosity is boundless, His love - endless, His mercy – limitless.

Lent is a time to recall God’s generosity, love and mercy, and to live it by deepening our commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These three pillars of Lenten practice help us to measure out what we have received.

By giving it all with an open heart, we continue to receive it again and again. God’s generosity can never be outdone, His love will never end, His mercy will never run dry.

As God gives, let us give like Him. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.

Amen.


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