#second week of lent

The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said, “Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah. It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests, nor of counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets. And so, let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word.”

“Heed me, O LORD, and listen to what my adversaries say. Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them”. ~Jeremiah 18:18-20~

When I look at our Lord on the cross I see a God who loves me unconditionally to send his only Son to die for the salvation of my soul; He crucified my sins on the cross. I see a compassionate God who forgives without reservation and who knows no boundaries. I see the Second Person of the Holy Trinity who was unjustly condemned and yet fulfilled the Will of God without any complaint and even asked forgiveness for those who judged him unjustly. He gave life to those who gave him death. He gave us the gift of being called sons and daughters of God; to be able to call God our Father, making us brothers and sisters in Christ. Do we love unconditionally or do we judge? Are we compassionate? Do we forgive unreservedly or do we remain resentful? If we intend to serve and follow Christ, we must imitate our Lord and do the same. Let us ask God for the grace this Lent to love as He (Jesus) did; forgive and ask for forgiveness. Let us ask Christ for the grace of humility and purity of heart. I myself continue to ask God for these graces even when I am unjustly accused; judged; and without being forgiven by the sinner. For he who forgives his neighbor demonstrates God’s mercy by putting the Word of God into practice. Amen.