Luke 6: 6-11

Introductory Prayer:

God the Father, thank you for the giftof creation, including my own life. God the Son, thank you for redeeming me atthe price of your own Body and Blood. God the Holy Spirit, thank you for beingthe sweet guest of my soul, enlightening my mind, strengthening my spirit, andkindling the fire of your love in my heart.

Petition:

Lord, make me a magnanimous,great-hearted person, one who always desires the good of others.

1. Teaching and Doing:

When Jesus speaks,he convinces those of good will who are present. The people commented that Jesusspoke convincingly, not like the Pharisees. That’s because Jesus preached onlywhat he was willing to put into practice himself. He practices what hepreaches. This is my Teacher and Master, who speaks of compassion and shows it.This is he who lowers himself to washing his followers’ feet at the Last Supperbecause he wants me to do the same.

2. Doing Good, Regardless of What Others Think:

Jesus is omniscient, knowing even what others are thinking. He oftenchides the Pharisees, because he sees their nitpicking and pettiness. They areguides of the people, yet they stand aloof from their needs and constrain thepeople to follow many rules that they themselves do not fulfill. Jesus sees aperson in need whom he can help. Although he sees around him many criticsscrutinizing his words and actions, nothing will keep him from doing this gooddeed. When I feel the weight of others’ eyes upon me, can I still practicecharity regardless of what they think?

3. Saving Life:

There is a culture ofdeath and a culture of life in this Gospel. The judgments of the Pharisees makethem critical of Jesus to the point that they become enraged. Eventually, theywill plot to kill Jesus. They couldn’t care less about the plight of the manJesus heals. Jesus speaks the words of life in the synagogue. He enriches lifethrough healing. I must learn from Jesus how to be a beacon of light and lifeamid the divisive culture of egoism and death that surrounds me.

Conversation withChrist:

Lord, you can readmy heart, as you read the

hearts of the Pharisees. I also have a tendency

to becritical and not always constructive.

Make my heart be more like yours,desiring good,

and being generous despite the criticisms that might come myway.

Resolution:

I will strive to perceive the needs ofanother person today, someone in particular. Then, I will seek to do what I canto help that person, if possible in a way that does not draw attention tomyself.