Second week of Lent: Monday
Reading: Luke 6: 36-38 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.
Reflection The scriptures abound with references to the mercy of God, the Father so that we may learn of him and offer the same compassion and mercy to the people we encounter in our daily lives. ‘The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all he has made.’ (Psalm 145:8)
During this Lenten season, we are invited to deepen our relationship with Jesus through lives of merciful generosity. Jesus embraces each person in a merciful, compassionate embrace and asks us to do the same. This is clearly demonstrated in the parable of the prodigal and his brother, ‘But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.’ (Luke 15: 20) We are asked to live counter-cultural lives to the lives of much of our society today; a society that judges condemns and alienates the person who does not share our views, lifestyle or political opinions. No one is a stranger to the compassionate embrace or mercy of God; as followers of Jesus, neither should anyone be excluded from our compassion or mercy.
There is much discussion in the media today about the role of prisons in society. In the UK there is a national shortage of prison places for people who have committed criminal offences. Some people believe that prisoners should be left where they are and pay a price for their crimes. Many prisons are in very poor condition, overcrowded and have limited resources for long-term effective rehabilitation. Residents are at risk of deteriorating mental and physical health and this compounds the suffering of their families who often bear an equal or greater burden of distress. This is contrary to justice and calls for a compassionate review of the prison service to enable all who can be safely rehabilitated and returned to society to be supported to do so. Some prisoners benefit from the courses that are offered within the prison service, for example the ’victim impact course’ where the prisoner gains greater insight into the impact that their behaviour has had on their victims.
Others benefit from good education and skills training programmes that build up the confidence and skills of many who may never have had an opportunity for education or training. These skills help the person to prepare for work when released.
Much great work is being done by Prison Chaplains and volunteers to support the well-being of both prisoners and their families and this needs greater input from government and other statutory services. Some prisoners discover or rekindle their faith in prison, and this deserves to be acknowledged. Prisoners on their release need ongoing appropriate support that will reduce the risk of re-offending and reincarceration. Church and state are called to work together to build up the person for the glory of God and the wellbeing of the person and their family.
During this Lenten season I am reminded of my need to offer total, unconditional forgiveness to all people; if I withhold forgiveness I cannot expect God to forgive me as expressed previously in the Our Father, ‘And forgive us our debts as we have also forgiven our debtors’ (Matthew 6:12) I acknowledge that this is not always easy but am reminded of the hope that St. Paul offers me, ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13) We are asked to imitate our creator in the mercy that we show to all of creation; it is God’s handiwork and gift to us. ‘His compassion is over all he has made.’ (Psalm 145:8) As followers of Jesus, we wish to be merciful to all of God’s creation.
During this Lenten season you may wish to spend some time each day praying for prisoners and their families.
You may be able to donate bibles, Christian books, or other resources that will build up the faith of residents.
Activity materials such as jigsaws, craft materials or gardening resources can help to offer meaningful occupation to residents, relieve boredom and stress.
You may wish to write to prisoners who are on Death Row and reassure them that they are not forgotten.
‘I was in prison and you visited me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36) Prayer Lord, I thank you that you extend your hand of forgiveness to me.
May I share this forgiveness with all people
May compassion and mercy be my breastplate?
May I be gracious and generous of spirit, O Lord, I make this prayer in your name, o merciful God, Amen.
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