"Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
"Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
"Forgive and you will be forgiven.
"Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.
"For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." (Luke 6: 36 - 38).
Monday 17th March 2025, in the 2nd Week of Lent is the feast of St Patrick, Bishop and Missionary.
St Patrick lived between 389 and 461. His nationality is British-Irish. St Patrick was a Bishop and a great Missionary. He is the Patron saint of Ireland and Nigeria.
St Patrick teaches us that persistence in prayer breaks resistance. St Patrick had a great desire to become a priest. He was opposed by powerful clerics because he was considered too old and not able to withstand the rigors of the studies involved. Convinced by the intensity of his desire to become a priest, he persisted. Result: St Patrick is one of the most powerful priests that ascended the Altar of God. Not just that, St Patrick was consecrated the Bishop of all Ireland.
The Gospel today speaks of mercy.
The message of mercy can never be overstated. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
What is mercy?
Mercy is not judging, not criticizing, not condemning anyone. Mercy is forgiving every offense as we have been forgiven. Mercy is sharing your bread with the hungry. Mercy is generosity. Mercy is being like God, acting like God.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. The ABC of Mercy helps us to remember how to do this.
A - Ask for mercy.
B - Be merciful.
C - Completely trust Jesus for mercy.
"I will not abandon or forsake you. I am faithful. I have chosen you and you are Mine. Why do you doubt My love for you? Have I not given you signs of My favour? Have I not shown you that My mercy has prepared for you a future full of hope? Did I not promise you years of happiness, of holiness, and of peace? My blessing is upon you and the designs of My Heart are about to unfold for you. You have only to trust Me. Believe that I will keep you as the apple of My eye." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, February 14, 2008).
Ask St Joseph whom we honor in March to obtain for you the grace to forgive all your enemies.
St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
