Thursday of week 23 in Ordinary Time

In the first reading, Paul is encouraging the people to show both compassion and gratitude. He points out that we have an obligation to pass this love and compassion on to others. It means we must forgive just as the Lord as forgiven us.
In the Lord’s Prayer we ask that we be forgiven our trespasses as we forgive others. The forgiveness is not just for us to receive but for us to give as well. I think about how readily I ask to be forgiven and then how I can hold a resentment against others for their actions against me. How can I expect mercy and compassion if I am not willing to give it as freely as I expect it? I love that St. Paul proclaims:
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I am reminded of the motto of the Jesuits to do everything for the greater glory of God. If I can keep this in mind, then my actions and my words will ring true.