Lenten Reflection

Monday, March 9, 2009

Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you."

Reflection
Andrew Leahy '05
Admissions and Enrollment

Stonehill is a respectful community, one in which (as cliché as it may sound) people hold doors open and where close-mindedness, though certainly present, is usually rare. We are a community of scholarship and faith in a common effort to promote compassion and social justice. No matter how busy we get with class, exams, meetings, appointments, etc., we must never forget why we are here. Why we chose Stonehill. Why Stonehill chose us. Keep the Mission in mind. The Mission of Stonehill goes beyond "Many Minds. One Purpose." It is intertwined in how we live while we are here and, hopefully, long after. There is a certain air of virtue and love on this campus that is not found in many other places. A community like Stonehill should truly be living - and oftentimes is exemplifying - the life described here in Luke's Gospel.

"Stop judging…stop condemning…forgive…give." These actions are simple and cost nothing but time and a little effort. These four ideals can easily bring more compassion, respect, and optimism into a world which desperately needs it. We all have the ability to live in this way. We must keep these four points in mind at the toughest times. When you get caught up in gossip, stop judging. When your roommate won't clean their side of the room, stop condemning. When someone is late to an appointment when you are in a rush, be compassionate and forgive. When you have little money, give of your time. Anyone can give money and will make that money back - time can never been replaced and, as such, is priceless.

Stop. Think. Act. Act with compassion.