Monday, March 2, 2015
Daniel 9:4-10, Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13, Luke 6:36-38
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030215.cfm
PERMISSIVENESS AND COMPASSION
"Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate." -Luke 6:36
Today's readings speak of an ever-increasing awareness of sin. Sin eventually results in being "brought very low" (Ps 79:8). Nations and people that rebel against God (see Dn 9:9) will eventually reap the harvest of sin, that is, disaster and death (see Rm 6:23). The measure that rebels measure with will eventually be measured right back to them, as Jesus says (Lk 6:38).
In the secular culture, to stand up against sin and immorality is considered an act of "hate." Yet it is not love to allow (or even encourage) a person to speed headlong toward disaster. The secular culture considers permissiveness a good thing. Holding moral standards is considered intolerance.
The true follower of Jesus can never encourage a lost sheep to wander directly into the danger of sin rather than the loving protection of the Good Shepherd. In this context, permissiveness can be seen as an act of indifference, which is the opposite of compassion. Compassion loves the sinner and hates the sin. Compassion does not judge the motivation of the sinner and does not ignore the effects of sin; rather, compassion embraces the lost sheep and stands ever-ready to rescue that sheep from the consequences of its rebellions.
Disciples of Christ, "be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate" (Lk 6:36).
Prayer: Father, teach me to know the truth and speak it in love and compassion (see Eph 4:15).
Promise: "The measure you measure with will be measured back to you." -Lk 6:38
Praise: Jesus healed Esther of terminal cancer. She witnesses of His love to everyone she meets.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching, order our tape, "Effects of Sin", on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2014
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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