Third Thursday of Advent

This is for me like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah should never again deluge the earth; So I have sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you. Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

God loves us and is merciful. He wants us to have peace in our lives, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations. He is not out to destroy us. He is not angry with us. He does not wish to turn us away at the gates of Heaven. He gives us every opportunity to obey His commandments, follow in His Son’s footsteps, and listen to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. However, He will not force us to obey, follow, or listen to Him. He wants us to choose to love Him and His children of our own accord and not because it is forced on us. It is up to us to accept His Love and return it to the best of our abilities. And if we do this, then we shall find Heaven not only open to us, but joyous at our coming.

Is our image of God one of justice tempered with mercy or do we fear He is too angry with us to forgive our sins? How can we thank God for the mercy He has shown to us? Do we live our lives knowing He will never abandon us?

O Lord, grant us your love, peace, and mercy.

Amen.