forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your
sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over. For the measure you give will
be the measure you receive back.”

Reflect

"Don't pass outright judgment against others." The faith journey we have set out for
ourselves should challenge us to be less and less judgmental of other people. This can
only happen if we keep practicing the discipline of self-introspection without giving up
our dream of helping build up God’s family. In today’s Gospel, Jesus exhorts us to be
merciful as the heavenly Father is merciful. He challenges us not to judge others so
that we will not be judged. Today, Pope Francis invites us to gaze on God’s face
which is mercy. It is only when we recognize God’s face as mercy that the dream
of a universal family becomes realizable. But of course, everything always begins
with the self. It does not have to be that big at the start. Little but conscious daily
practices of mercy toward others are a part of our Christian duty. This everyday
practice will enable the face of God to shine in our world today, a world that is so
much in need of the light of his face.

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