October 4, 2021 Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time-B-ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, RELIGIOUS

Jonah 1:1–2:1-2, 11 or Galatians 6:14-18

Psalm Jonah 2:3, 4, 5, 8 or Psalm 16

Luke 10:25-37 or Matthew 11:25-30

“And who is my neighbor?”  Lk. 10:29

Lord, the scholar of the law had the right answer: to attain eternal life he was to love God and neighbor. He was likely a good man who tried to do what he saw as pleasing to you. You looked into his heart and found he had boundaries on his love of neighbor. Don’t we all?  Whether I think about it or not, I may have put limits on whom I love. I may choose who I extend mercy to or who I think deserves a break. Jonah was given a mission to bring God’s word to a people he feared and hated. He tried to flee from you. When I pick and choose who is worthy of my attention and care I am a lot like Jonah.  But you gave him second chances so, Lord, don’t give up on me. Help me to see that whoever is in need around me is my neighbor.  I believe you bring people into my life to whom I can be a neighbor. Help me to see them as my neighbor and to experience compassion for them. I trust that there are no boundaries around your love and mercy. May there be none around mine.  St. Francis, pray for me.  Amen.