Today’s readings cause each of us to pause and reflect on our own sinfulness, our failures to appropriately respond to our loving God,

Baruch laments the infidelity of God’s people. Despite all the wonders that God had done for his people in saving them from slavery in Egypt, the people relentlessly refused to respond to God’s call to repentance. The prophet’s words are a harsh condemnation of the people of his time.

Our Gospel reading continues this theme as Jesus warns his hearers that their sinfulness will not go unpunished. Jesus’ words speak to us today. We know that we are sinners.

Despite the graces given us in abundance, we often “miss the mark” and fall short. We acknowledge our sinfulness and our unworthiness each time we celebrate the Eucharist. As we begin our celebration, we beg, “Lord have mercy “ Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy” As we prepare for Holy Communion, we again acknowledge our unworthiness as we pray three times,” Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us” and then, we pray “ Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my under my roof. Say but the word and my soul shall be healed.” We know that we have a God who heals and forgives and welcomes us home into his heart.

A very famous spiritual master of the last century, Columbia Marmion assures us of the unfailing love of God. “It is not our PERFECTION (our good deeds) which DAZZLE God, since he is surrounded by shining angels. No! It is our MISERY, our POVERTY, our avowed UNWORTHINESS, which draws down his Mercy upon us and brings us to his ATTENTION.”

Let us then approach the Throne of Grace with humility, sorrow, but with great confidence.

Let Us Pray:

God of all that is. Your servant, the late Pope Frances, called a Jubilee Year of Mercy and asserted that your very name is Mercy so that we would be reminded of your love. We, sinners though we are, know that you forgive us and welcome us home before we even approach you. Thank you. Amen.