Thirteenth Monday in Ordinary Time

For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke my word; Because they sell the just man for silver, and the poor man for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth, and force the lowly out of the way. Son and father go to the same prostitute, profaning my holy name. Upon garments taken in pledge they recline beside any altar; And the wine of those who have been fined they drink in the house of their god.

Even God's Divine Mercy has limits and woe to us if we do not change our ways. God expects the best from us, not the worst. He expects us to do good and avoid evil. He expects us to be holy and resist temptations. If we fail His expectations, we will pay a price on earth and in purgatory... or worst of all... Hell. The sins we commit have a gravity to them and each on pulls us farther and farther away from God. If we do not sever ties with these evils, then eventually they will pull us so far into the world that we will lose sight of God. God will give us every chance to free ourselves, but He won't force us to become his good and faithful servants. It is up to us to accept His help and rid ourselves of our faults, failures, and wickedness. Only then can we be worthy of joining Him in paradise.

Are we living up to God's expectations for us? In what ways do we need to change our lives? How can we accomplish this conversion?

O Lord, we are heartily sorry for our transgressions against you. Help us to make amends for our crimes against you and your children.

Amen.