Mercy…. It is only mercy when we do not deserve it.  That is what the author of my Lenten reflection book wrote a few days ago.  “Yup, we don’t deserve it,” I thought, then I read on.  But when I took a look at the readings for this week and tried to reflect, that word, mercy, kept coming to mind.

I thought, what is it called when we DO deserve it?  Justice, maybe?  We know that the Lord God is the only just judge.  I try to remember that whenever I think of passing judgement on a stranger, someone in the news, a co-worker or family member.  I cannot look into their hearts, only God may pass judgement, dole out justice.  But wait, in today’s second reading, St. Paul wrote “God, who is full of mercy”, not justice.  God is full of mercy because of his great love for us, his children.  God is constantly faithful even through our numerous transgressions.  Can God really extend this loving grace to us?  This forgiveness, this amazing father:child relationship, even if we are not worthy?  Thank goodness, the answer is yes!

Have you ever felt that you were not worthy of God’s love?  Have you ever prayed that you would be worthy of it?  In light of our readings today, this seems a futile prayer.  We cannot earn more love from God by our works or prayers or sacrifices.  God’s love for us (you and me!!) is already limitless.   So how can we respond to this?  How do you respond to someone who, no matter what you do, will always welcome you back with open arms?  I think the only way we can respond is with a thankful heart and constant praise.  Our works do not make us worthy of God’s love, but through our works we can show our gratitude, love, praise and appreciation to God.
  
Throughout Lent we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that God made out of sheer love for us.  He sent Jesus to save us, so we may be brought into eternal life.  Our gospel tells us that Jesus was not sent to condemn, but to remind us that God’s eternal light is ours for the asking.  God calls to us, we need only respond.  We can condemn ourselves with feelings of unworthiness, but that will not bring us closer.  Yes, condemn our dark actions, turn away from evil, but absorb the heavenly light poured out on us by our Father, so it may illuminate our path back to Him.  And with that light, shine brightly for others to see, so they may believe that God, in His infinite mercy, sheds his loving merciful light on them, as well!