There is no one on this earth that is beyond the mercy of God “How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!” (3)-Pope Francis ++++++++++ There is no one on this earth that is beyond the mercy of God. Over the course of my life, I have experienced this mercy. There is within me a darkness that the Lord is slowly dispelling as I move towards the summit of my life…..my death. In death, we become who we really are. There will be no hiding from ourselves, from what we have done, and the pain we caused others. This goes for the good and joy as well. In the light of God, because of mercy, we must experience in order to be healed. Before God we will all wait upon his mercy. Over the course of my life, when I have felt swallowed up in darkness, over and over again, the light is bestowed on me and I find deeper trust and healing in God, and from God. So it is with everyone who can open up their hearts. Some are called early in life to follow the Lord, others in mid-life, and others in old age, yet there are those who cannot open up their hearts until death is at the door. Each of us is given what we need, we are all seen, and so each path while sharing some commonality, is also unique. No matter one’s state, the Holy Spirit prays and groans within our souls, for the opening up of each heart to the love of the Father as revealed to us by Christ Jesus. Those who are lost, reject God after a lifetime of being pursued. We make our choice from a place of pure freedom. That is why many are called when they are near death, it is the only time that they can see clearly the grace that is offered them, and there is no more avoidance or running. Jesus shows us the fierceness of the Father’s love for each of us. Embrace it, no matter who you are, or what you have done, all is seen by the Father who only has compassion for us. Just as the Father showed compassion towards his Prodigal Son.-Br.MD
Thank you for posting this. It is exactly what I needed to hear right now!! I struggle with scruples and you have given me so much hope!
God Bless you, my friend. A difficult trial, will pray for your continual growth in trust. peace mark
Thank you Br. Mark for your beautiful reflection for this Laetare Sunday. It truly is joyful even as we go through the pain of seeing our failings and sins. But without this Light we would not even see the sin. I once went to. Holy Saturday Easter vigil service and the Church was very very dark… you literally had a hard time seeing your hands in front of you. It was quiet too. A moment of reflection to experience absence of light and almost to “feel” and recognize a separation from God- sin. And then the Paschal candle was lit… and as it alone came into Church… that slightest of light allowed me to see my hands again and shadowy figures of others. And as the Light passed to other candles to soon fill the whole Church, we could again see clearly. To me, this is why we need the Light of Christ. I need to first see the dirt of my life before I (through the Holy Spirit) can start cleaning. wonderful and joyful news!
I believe that is my favorite moment during the Easter Liturgy.....the light of the world. You gave a very beautiful, heartfelt observation.
