A Good Measure, Pressed Down

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’ Luke 6:27-38

There are times in our lives when we feel our buckets are completely empty. We can sometimes feel our work is in vain and we have failed. And sometimes, the cruelty of others, and the evil in the world can overwhelm us. Yet, in these times, when we feel spent, misunderstood, and beaten down, we are invited by God to give generously, love our enemies, and live mercifully. When we want to stomp around and give into our anger and hurt, we are invited to be ever more compassionate. It seemed like a bad prescription, adding fuel to the fire. Instead, when we see the hurt and need in others, we just might see God's abundance in our own lives as well.

Loving Creator source of abundance

you send snow and rai to water the earth

you send sun and moon to light our way

and fill us when we are hungry and afraid.

Our lives are full of slights and pain

loss and grief are always surrounding us

we can be swallowed by our own worries

and not see your love shining like a beacon.

Help us today to open our arms in love

let us open our hearts to your renweing grace

so we might be generous and grateful today

and so others might know your loving abundance. Amen.