MERCY

Matthew 11:24
“But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
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Since childhood, we have been told over and over again – do not do this, do not do that. For our parents know that as I child, we have a very poor concept yet of good and evil. So they have to lead us to the path of good and punish us if we take otherwise. Still, we hurt others, we hurt ourselves and we hurt God - we sin. Each and every one of us has done this at least a few times in our lives.

We have known what was right and what was wrong and still, we consciously, deliberately chose to do wrong. But our God is a merciful God. He is a loving God. As He sees the sins of the world, He would not really punish us by inflicting us pain. Instead, He sent His only Son so He would bear the pain and die for our sins. We live in a difficult world, so we must make sure that God is in charge of our lives. He does not want us to commit sins and misdeeds. He wants us to denounce evil totally. He wants us to become something better, seeking perfection as He is perfect.

The Jews in the time of Jesus has not also learned from the lessons of history. They knew about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah because of sins, and yet, they would still commit the same. What is worse, they have the Son of God in their midst, and still they would not recognize and heed His Words.

In this time of mercy, God is inviting us to know Him, believe in Him and follow Him. He is asking us to be the righteous person that He wants us to be. He knows that it is difficult for we are not children of this world. But He has sent His son for us to follow. And Jesus’ life is the true manifestation of how a child of God should live in this sinful world. Accept Him as your Lord, and the judgment that is Heaven will be yours.

Almighty Father, My God, I love You with all my heart. Pardon me the evil I have done, and accept the good I have done. In turn, help us forgive without holding on to anger, resentment, or disappointment. May Your love, joy, peace, and patience be at the heart of our relationships with one another. May Your grace be always with me and with all my loved ones. Amen +

Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.