Thursday, February 28, 2019
Today, in Mercy, Sirach advises us to rely on the Lord and nothing else – not our own strength, not endless forgiveness for our poor choices, not deceitful wealth. These, the reading admonishes, will not help when we are judged.
Our Psalm confirms that we should place our reliance – our HOPE – in God:
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
They are like trees
planted near running water,
That yield fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever they do prospers.
Mark describes what happens to those who choose a merciful life, and to those who don’t!
Neither of these readings spares any harsh words. They are so confronting that we may be tempted to “read over them”, not really engaging their message to our lives.
Do we have any hard choices to make about
- where we place our confidence?
- the integrity of our choices?
- how we use our wealth and resources?
- how we respond to others’ needs?
- the example we are offering for those who depend on us?
I know I want to do all I can to avoid any millstones around my neck! Right?
Let’s take a deep look at our hearts today for any trace of merciless choices or sinful self-reliance, thinking we might even know better than God! Sometimes, when we are frightened or unsure, we forget to lay it all down before the Lord. But we can trust God completely, and doing so will bless us. What we have to learn is that God may take us, by a different route, to our joy.
Music: Trust in the Lord
Lavish Mercy 