Third Friday of Lent

I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them. I will be like the dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily; He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar, and put forth his shoots. His splendor shall be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar. Again they shall dwell in his shade and raise grain; They shall blossom like the vine, and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

When we come to God contritely asking for His forgiveness, He is more than willing to absolve our sins, give us penance, and send us forth to sin no more. He wants to heal our every defection. He wants to have a reason to withhold His wrath and to love us freely. He wants to give us life-giving graces that will help us grow in faith, sustain our hope, and blossom in love for Him and His children. He wants to be at the very root of our every thought, word, and work. He wants us to bear good fruits and provide us with protection. He is Our Heavenly Father, Our Life-Giving Brother, and our Holy Spirit and if we accept Him into our lives, then we will flourish and prosper.

Do we seek our God when we have sinned? Do we appreciate everything He does for us through His Divine Mercy? How can we grow the Kingdom of God through our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, pour out your mercy on us so that we might blossom in faith, hope, and love.

Amen.