Sometimes God is cast in an unfair light because of our fallen human nature. We can’t possibly comprehend that the God of the universe would still love us after everything we have done to turn our backs on Him. This is why many people live in despair or struggle with scrupulosity because they have not yet let one of the fundamental aspects of the faith sink in: mercy.
In today’s first reading the mercy of God is spelled out unequivocally. As long as we repent, none of our crimes will be remembered, and furthermore, God does not derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked. He wants us all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The basic message of the Gospel can be summed up from the first paragraph of the Catechism, which states, “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.” (CCC 1)
As beautiful as this verse is, it is hard to believe. Does He really want what is best for us? Does He really desire us to be happy with him forever? Often, we try to answer these questions without asking the One who has the answers. Lent is a beautiful time to start asking these questions directly to God.
During this time of penance, our sins come directly to mind and it can be easy to despair. Instead of getting down on ourselves, we can use this season to really converse with God about His plans for us and what He wants to do in our lives. If we start the conversation then we will start believing all the more that God does not rejoice in misery but rejoices in mercy. He wants us to be saved. All we have to do is repent and believe.
From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless!
Daily Reading
Monday of the Second Week in Lent
Reading 1 Daniel 9:4b-10 “Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and…
Saint of the Day
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick, born in Scotland, enslaved in Ireland, became its Apostle, converting many to Christianity before his death in 461.
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