Tag Archives: God’s mercy

HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS

by

Tuesday 6th October – Tuesday of week 27 of the year

Reflection: Psalm 130: 1-8

HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS

The way of God is far different and more perfect than ours. It is His desire and will to constantly draw us closer to him but due to our sinful self we separate ourselves from him who is our creator. Today’s readings emphasize how much different our ways are from God’s. God gave the people of Nineveh a second chance to amend their ways, contrary to what Jonah and probably many of us would think. Likewise, in the gospel reading, Martha wanted to satisfy Jesus so badly and was surprised that though she complained against her sister, Jesus commended Mary.

Dear friends, we often find ourselves in Jonah or Martha’s shoes at one time or the other. We work very hard to do what we know is right and consciously or unconsciously, despise those who do not work in our direction. Yet, God shows us that even those whom we despise are dear to Him and all judgment should be left to Him. He reminds us that human wisdom is foolishness before Him. Indeed, you are what you are only by God’s grace because as the psalmist tells us, if God were to mark our guilt none of us will stand.

God calls you and I to extend the same love, patience and mercy He constantly shows us to others. He also calls us to ask His direction as we chart our ways through life, bearing in mind that only in Him is true wisdom found. Let us free our minds from unnecessary worries and stay at Jesus’ feet, listening to him at all times. Has sin scared you away from God’s pesence? Are you at a crossroad or lost in the valley of indecision? Come to Jesus today, trusting him to have mercy on you and reach out to you for ‘his ways are not our ways’. Take joy in His word, live it out daily and you will find His peace.

PRAYER: Dear lord, help me to take solace in your word at all times, that my faith and trust may be deepened and i may realise that your ways are not same as mine.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1874– “God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us.” To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “If you kept a record of our sins, who could escape being condemned? But you forgive us, so that we should stand in awe of you.” Psalm 130: 3-4 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130: 1-4, 7-8; Luke 10: 38-42

Advertisement

GOD IS NO POLICEMAN

by

Friday 13th February – Friday of week 5 of the year

Reflection: Psalm 32:1-7

GOD IS NO POLICEMAN

When you see a policeman down the road; what comes to your mind? Do you think of him as a friend or as someone who is watching out for you to punish you at the slightest opportunity? I can imagine that most of us think of the latter. Often times, we approach God with such mindset too – we think of him as a policeman of our lives, always ready to arrest and indict us at the slightest mistake. Yet, beloved, God is not like that. Such description is in fact more appropriate to the devil; the enemy of our souls – he capitalizes on every mistake we make and uses it against us before God. Hence, Scripture refers to him as “the accuser of the brethren”. (Rev.12:10b).

Like the Psalmist tells us today, God is merciful and desires to forgive our offences and impute no guilt on us. Do you feel as if you have failed to walk with God? It’s not too late dear friend: He is the potter and you are the clay. He earnestly desires to reshape our lives so we can fulfill His ultimate purpose for us. Jesus is ready to heal you. He knows exactly where to touch in your life, so as to bring the desired healing and change.

No matter what sin you have committed, don’t despair. It is never too much for God to forgive. Simply go to Him with humility, true repentance and a desire to abandon sin. His arms are open especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, ready to forgive you and give you a new beginning.

PRAYER: Father I approach your throne of grace this day and ask for pardon for the many times I have strayed. Please Lord; fill my life with the fruits of your mercy. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1422: “Those who approach the sacrament of penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are at the same time reconciled with the Church…”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Let us have confidence then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.” Hebrews: 4:16 GNB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7; Mark.7:31-37

GOD IS NO POLICEMAN

by

Friday 13th February – Friday of week 5 of the year

Reflection: Psalm 32:1-7

GOD IS NO POLICEMAN

When you see a policeman down the road; what comes to your mind? Do you think of him as a friend or as someone who is watching out for you to punish you at the slightest opportunity? I can imagine that most of us think of the latter. Often times, we approach God with such mindset too – we think of him as a policeman of our lives, always ready to arrest and indict us at the slightest mistake. Yet, beloved, God is not like that. Such description is in fact more appropriate to the devil; the enemy of our souls – he capitalizes on every mistake we make and uses it against us before God. Hence, Scripture refers to him as “the accuser of the brethren”. (Rev.12:10b).

Like the Psalmist tells us today, God is merciful and desires to forgive our offences and impute no guilt on us. Do you feel as if you have failed to walk with God? It’s not too late dear friend: He is the potter and you are the clay. He earnestly desires to reshape our lives so we can fulfill His ultimate purpose for us. Jesus is ready to heal you. He knows exactly where to touch in your life, so as to bring the desired healing and change.

No matter what sin you have committed, don’t despair. It is never too much for God to forgive. Simply go to Him with humility, true repentance and a desire to abandon sin. His arms are open especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, ready to forgive you and give you a new beginning.

PRAYER: Father I approach your throne of grace this day and ask for pardon for the many times I have strayed. Please Lord; fill my life with the fruits of your mercy. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1422: “Those who approach the sacrament of penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are at the same time reconciled with the Church…”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Let us have confidence then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.” Hebrews: 4:16 GNB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7; Mark.7:31-37

THE GIFT OF GOD’S MERCY

by

Wednesday 20th August – Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the church.

Reflection: Matthew 20:1-6

THE GIFT OF GOD’S MERCY

The mercy of God is a necessity for you and I. By divine mercy, our sins are forgiven and we are empowered to lead a good Christian life. It is the same mercy that makes us partakers of divine life that God continually extends to people who are yet to receive Him as we see in today’s Gospel reading. This must gladden our hearts and spur us to constantly proclaim the Gospel to our neighbours who are still outside the fold of Christ; reminding them that God patiently awaits their home coming no matter how much they may have strayed. It is the mercy of God that keeps the wicked alive in hope of his repentance before death (Luke 15:1-10).

We cannot fully comprehend the depth of God’s mercy. It is profound. Let us continually plead this mercy for the home coming of our fellow brothers and sister who are not living in harmony with their God. When we sin, let us not give in to despair as God seeks to restore us out of His mercy.

As Christians we must perpetually plead for God’s mercy as none of us can be justified by good works alone (Galatians 2:16). Though, we are unworthy, Christ paid it all on the cross of Calvary. When we live under God’s mercy, we will enjoy certain graces that are beyond human understanding.

PRAYER: Father, I ask through your son Jesus Christ that your abundant mercy may always abound in my life. Amen.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 RSV-CE

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT49 – Does God guide the world and my life?

Yes, but in a mysterious way; God guides everything along paths that only he knows, leading it to its perfection. At no point in time does something that he has created fall out of his hands.

Readings for today: Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1- 6; Matthew 20:1-16.