24th Week in Ordinary Time: Sunday 15th September 2019

Despite all the wonderful things that God did for the Israelites, they were unfaithful. They did not trust Moses or God, so they made a Golden Calf and worshipped it. The Bible looks upon idolatry as one of the worst sins, but many are guilty of not knowing it. Whenever something becomes more important for us than God, then it has become an idol. From time to time, we need to purify ourselves of all that stands between us and God. Paul was very grateful for God’s mercy, even though he had done much to stand in God’s way.

Mercy is another name for God. Pope Francis teaches us that it is at the very core of the gospel. If we are not merciful towards others, then we are not fully following Jesus. We see that mercy at work in the parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. The lost sheep was more important than all the others, and its recovery caused great joy to all.

Even though the younger son in the story squandered his father’s money on wild living, his father showed him mercy and rejoiced that he had returned. We should not be hard on others or resentful when others are forgiven or shown mercy. We should rejoice at how wonderful God is and resolve to be as merciful as God is!

Lord, give me a merciful heart.