In today's readings we are called on to treat others in exactly the same way we expect God to treat us. First read the passage from Daniel. It is part of a deeply moving prayer which Daniel makes. With his fellow Jews, he is in exile far from his native land under the rule of the Persians. In his prayer he clearly acknowledges that much of his people's suffering is the result of their sinful ways.

In reading today's Gospel, we, too, must first acknowledge the many ways in which we have failed to love and serve our God and yet, when we call on him in repentance, we expect to receive his unconditional forgiveness. When it comes, then, to the people in our lives, we cannot act differently from the way we expect our God to treat us. "Be compassionate as your heavenly Father is compassionate." No judging, no condemning, no scapegoating, no violence in word or action. "Do not condemn others and you yourself will not be condemned". It is easy to say but, we know in practice, that it is not easy to do. And yet, if we reflect, we know deep down that Jesus is right. That his Way is the only way for us to go.

Let a loving concern for the well being of the other be the ruling force in my life. And the more dysfunctional that other person is, the more they need my loving compassion for their healing.