to justify himself

Monday, October 5, 2009  St. Faustina, Virgin (Optional Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Jonah 1:1 -- 2:2, 11 Jonah 2:3-5, 8 Luke 10:25-37

Luke 10:29  But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

The first thing to note here is that his man was a teacher of the law.  The law is all about setting boundaries.  It is not a guide to anywhere.  It can not lead us to God or salvation.  But, we often want to justify ourselves by the law, but since the law is not a guide this makes no sense.  Jesus calls this teacher of the law to a higher place by telling him to show mercy.  The law does not show mercy.  Mercy is from the heart.  The man must think with his heart and not just the law.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to think with my heart and to show mercy to my brothers.  Help me to not rely on the law.

Amen