Teach me to feel another's woe. To hide the fault I see: That the mercy I show to others; that mercy also show to me.

I think we too are the people who, on the one hand, want to listen to Jesus, but on the other hand, at times, like to find a stick to beat others with, to condemn others. And Jesus has this message for us: mercy. I think — and I say it with humility — that this is the Lord's most powerful message: mercy. — Pope Francis (Homily on March 17, 2013)

Gospel Text: (LK 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."

Being aware of our weaknesses and shortcomings, we should be ready to forgive those who have wronged us. We should be ready to give others a "second chance," just as we pray to God to give us "second chances" when we fail before him. We should be generous to God and to others: For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back."