We live in a fashion-conscious world and spend large sums on looking well. Today's two readings suggest a different kind of clothing we should be wearing. Paul in the first reading suggests we should be wearing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And, over all these clothes, we should be wearing love, that love which is a deep desire for the good of all those around us. And, as the Gospel reminds us, that love is to be extended even to people who are hostile to us and may wish to harm us. In fact, such people need our love and our prayers so that they will change. But if we return their hatred with hatred then both sides suffer.

Instead we should be compassionate as the Father is compassionate. This is the clothing we need to wear and we will be blessed - "a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back" (Lk 6:38).