Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

We are all sinners in one way or another. Some of us are prideful, others envious. Some of us are wrathful, others lustful. Some of us are avaricious, others gluttonous. More than a few of us are slothful. Because of our imperfections and sins, we are in great need of mercy and thankfully our loving God was willing to sacrifice Himself in order to save us. Jesus’ Life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection bridged the gap between us and our Heavenly Father. The gift of God’s saving grace was poured out for us through Christ’s Blood and brought to us through the aqueduct of his cross. Jesus’ selfless offering makes manifest God’s Divine Mercy, which can atone for all our sins if we allow it. The Son of God came into this world for the reparation of sins, the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of souls... our souls. And we would benefit greatly by remembering God wants to save us all from our sins, but we have to accept His Mercy if we are to have any hope of living in him forever and ever.

What are our sins? How can we learn to resist their temptations and avoid them? How do we give thanks to God for the mercy He has shown us?

O Lord, treat us mercifully for we are sinners.

Amen.