No better time than now to approach that throne of Grace – God’s grace. This a time when I believe we are ALL in need of mercy. Not the mercy anyone here on earth can offer us but only the healing grace and mercy that can be found in God.
Again, as I said yesterday, this has been a very challenging week for Sarah and I. What I’m writing about this morning goes beyond any physical or mental stress we are dealing with – there many, many things going on that prove to me that Satan is alive and well in this day and age. Young children in such despair that death sounds more promising than life; a division in our Country where there seems to be only right and wrong and damned be those who don’t believe in what is said to be right or wrong. But much like the Church, my walls will not fail – they will stand strong – to Satan’s hatred, to Satan’s empty show. If I have learned anything in my 56+ years of Catholic faith, it is that my hope in God, my trust in God, my love of God is all the armor that I need to fight and defeat these evils.
Laws, decrees, precepts, commands, fear, ordinances – do those sound like the words of hope and promise? Well, this may come as a bit of a surprise, but they do and they are. Take a look at our Psalm from this morning readings…
R. (see John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
When it is God who defines your laws, your decrees, your precepts, your commands, your fear, your ordinances – all of those words lead to perfection, trust, righteousness, clearity, purity – now those are words to live by because God’s words are Spirit and Life.
In this time of trouble, I am reminded of a song Sarah and I have done many times for funeral Masses – from John 14:1* “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith* in God; have faith also in me.2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?3* And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.a4Where [I] am going you know the way.”*
Do something great for our Lord today – live by His words; trust in His works; do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith that Jesus is here to show you the way.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 