24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.
Written by Rebekah Hickl
God is good to his beloved ones. How much I need to hear that daily - that God is full of love and mercy, and He desires to welcome me back to His embrace. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, states that “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy”. This psalm speaks so clearly of this God who is always calling to us to return to Him and reminding us that He does not tire of forgiving us.
It reminds me of the song ‘Frame’ by Rita West, where she proclaims:
I am seen in full,
I am known completely,
I am loved, more than I can ever know
More than I can ever know - God’s love for me, and for you, is so deep and so personal. He knows me more than I even know myself, and he can see the selfishness, pride, and envy that can overtake my thoughts and actions. Yet, still, He calls. He calls me back to Himself, He calls me to a fullness of life, He calls me to try again without any shame of what has passed before.
The readings today remind us that we need to pass on that mercy, to ‘forgive our neighbors injustice’, to forgive even as many as seventy-seven times. Many times, this is easier said than done, but with God all things are possible, so let us begin with asking for the grace to also be kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.
Is there something in your life that you need to take to God for healing through the sacrament of reconciliation? Take the earliest opportunity you have to receive that sacrament and to be reminded that the Lord is kind and merciful.
Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing? Ask God for the grace to desire what he wants in that situation.
Rebekah Hickl is a daughter, sister, bride, and mother. She loves walking in the woods, dancing in the kitchen, and having conversations over meals or coffee. Originally from the UK, she currently lives in Dallas, TX.
Pray with today’s psalm.