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True charity respects the demands for justice, by preventing us from falling into arbitrariness or whim, while keeping us from that harshness which kills the true spirit of God's Law; for charity is the love which enables us to give ourselves to others. Jesus proclaims that it is mercy not sacrifice that God demands from us. The Son of Man, Jesus, is the Lord of the Sabbath and the law is given not for the sake of God, but for the sake of human beings. Let us repeat Jesus' powerful words many times in order to engrave them on our hearts: God, who is rich in mercy, wants us to be merciful. "How close God is to him who confesses his mercy! God is not far from those who are contrite of heart." How far away from God are we when we let our hearts turn into hard stone!
Jesus accused the Pharisees of condemning the innocent. That is a serious accusation. By God's grace, we can be seriously interested in other people's problems considering them with affection and sympathy, without giving into judgement.
Mary, Mother of God, obtain for us the grace of forgiveness and mercy so that we become benevolent and kind towards others.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.
Elaboration
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