Scripture Readings (from the daily Mass)
- First Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10
A prayer of confession and plea for mercy: “We have sinned, we have done wickedly… O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive.” - Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 (or similar) – “Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.”
- Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
Jesus teaches: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven… The measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
These readings call us to mercy, forgiveness, and honest acknowledgment of our sins, mirroring God’s compassion toward us.
Short Reflection
By Day 11, the initial enthusiasm of Lent may be settling into a quieter reality. The Lord invites us not to harsh self-judgment, but to mercy—first receiving it from Him, then extending it to others. In Daniel’s prayer, we see humble confession without despair. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that our hearts become like God’s when we stop measuring others harshly and start pouring out grace freely. Lent is not about perfection through willpower alone; it’s about turning back to the merciful Father who waits to refresh and renew us. Ask yourself: Where am I holding onto judgment (of self or others)? How can I imitate the Father’s generosity today?
Prayer for Day 11
Lord Jesus,
You who are mercy itself, look upon me with kindness. I confess that I have not always been merciful—I have judged, held grudges, or failed to forgive as You forgive me. Like Daniel, I cry out: we have sinned, yet You are rich in mercy. Help me this day to receive Your compassion deeply, so that it overflows from my heart to others. Teach me not to measure out stingy justice, but abundant love. May the measure I give be the measure I receive from You. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for me that I may become more like your Son.
Amen.
Suggested Lenten Practice
- Perform a small act of mercy today: forgive someone (even silently in your heart), offer a kind word, or pray for someone who has hurt you.
- Spend 5-10 minutes in quiet before the Blessed Sacrament or at home, repeating slowly: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
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