The leader of the community takes responsibility for his people!

February 26, Monday of the Second Week in Lent
St. Alexander of Alexandria.
Daily Readings: Daniel 9:4b-10, Luke 6:36–38

Prophet Daniel acknowledges the greatness of God, who keeps His covenant and is steadfast in love, in response to those who love Him and adhere to His covenants. He also glorifies God for what He has done for His people. He then confesses the sins of the nation (“we have sinned and done wrong...”). He confesses on behalf of his people. He accepts the fact that they have not listened to the prophets, kings, princes, ancestors, and people of the land. Ultimately, righteousness belongs to God. He expects his people to strive to walk the path of holiness.

The Psalmist joins Daniel's chorus when he pleads with God not to remember the people's iniquities. He asks God to forgive their sins for His name’s sake. The Psalmist identifies and compares the relationship between God and His people with the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. He promises that God’s people will sing His praises from generation to generation.

God, our Father, is our model and goal in life. We are called to imitate Him. That is why Jesus exhorted the people of his time to be merciful like the Father. Pope Francis made use of this text during the Year of Mercy 2016, Pope Francis used this text to create the Papal Bull Misericordiae Vultus, "The Face of Mercy."  If we want to become merciful, then a person should stop being judgmental. We should forgive those who offend and hurt us instead of condemning them. When we are generous, we will also experience the generosity of the Father, who promises us immeasurable blessings “pressed down, shaken together and running over." This expression implies that God's generosity knows no boundaries.

The Holy Mother Church honors the 19th Pope, St. Alexander of Alexandria. He fought the heresy of Arianism and mentored St. Athanasius of Alexandria, who went on to become a Church Father. He took active participation in the Council of Nicea.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: In being merciful, we imitate God the Father, who is always ready to embrace the one who returns to Him. How often are we able to forgive the ones who hurt us?