God’s mercy towers over those who fear him

‘The quality of mercy is not strained…’

The quality of mercy is not strained;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven…

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:…

it becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown:…

It is an attribute to God himself;

Lent

We know that this is a time of repentance

But, maybe, we’ve forgotten why we must repent.

Gospel today

“… “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way

they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?

By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

(Luke 13:2–3, NABRE)

How do you hear this saying of Jesus?

Thunderous condemnation?

I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!

Another way of saying

God is slow to anger and rich in mercy ?

He wasn’t striking down the people in this example

but, ‘They are no more guilty than you are.’

Repentance is the way to mercy

These Galileans weren’t greater sinners than Jesus’ hearers

but the only way to receive the mercy of God is by repenting of our sin,

great or small.

Then, instead of the meager measure of justice we may be due,

the way is open to us for receive the abundance of God’s mercy;

full measure, packed down, running over.

Lord, I do not pray for what is due me;

rather, I dare to pray for mercy,

the full measure of your love for us.