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| St. Francis of Assis |
(Audio)
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented,
sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
Our responses to the LORD are likely much less than all he has done for us. We are too quick to forget the mighty deeds he has done in our midst, indeed, even in our very hearts. Too much seed fell only on the path, eaten by birds. Too much seed landed on rocky soil and did not take root. We did not follow the example of Mary and treasure these things in our hearts. We did not use the renewed minds we were given to focus on things noble, pure, and true. And so, while our response can never repay God, yet we have been negligent and slothful and offering him his due.
From the time the Lord led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt
until the present day,
we have been disobedient to the Lord, our God,
and only too ready to disregard his voice.
Even though we have been recalcitrant and unrepentant there is still great hope. We find ourselves in great need of God's mercy. God for his part is always happy to pour mercy upon us above and beyond all we could even ask.
"How happy I am to see myself imperfect and to be in need of God’s mercy." –St. Therese of Lisieux
God stands willing to overwhelm us with his love and to wash away any past failures on our part. He never stopped loving us even when we didn't respond to that love as we should. Realizing how unwavering he has been can give us new zeal in responding now. We can plant his love deep within us. We can treasure it in our hearts where it cannot be stolen from us by the lies and deceit of the enemy.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
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