Merciful Jesus

   We think of Jesus as kind and loving, almost to the point of being soft.  But Jesus was a carpenter.  He learned the trade of His father.  Jesus is merciful, but Jesus is all-just, as well.  Dying on the Cross, He was merciful and just.  Our infinite sins (sins against an infinite God are infinite) demanded justice.  Every offering we can make is insufficient.  So, Jesus, in His mercy, offered up Himself, the infinite Himself, to fulfill justice.

   As my daughter reminded me about a month ago, mercy is giving someone a gift they do not deserve.  We did not deserve Jesus offering Himself for us.  And yet, He did.  It was His plan before His Incarnation in Mary’s Womb.  The Lord to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.” [Genesis 3:15]  The serpent used a woman to bring about death and God used a woman to bring about Jesus, our resurrection.

   God never abandoned humanity.  God has never abandoned you!  He has seen you and weeps at all of your hardships.  More so, He is in agony over those He has suffered and died for that reject Him.  He is in agony over those who wallow in their hardships and despair.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” [Matthew 11:29]

   God has never abandoned you!  He has always been there.  You may not see or feel His presence, even the Pharisees did not see Him for Who He is.  If Jesus would suffer and die a horrific death for you, do you think He would abandon you for even one moment?  Surely, you feel as though you are being crucified next to Jesus.  Then be comforted by His words that are meant for you, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:43]

   Jesus is the infinite Gift of mercy to appease the demands of justice for our sins.  Your sins are not greater than Jesus.  Your hardships are not greater than Jesus.  And yet, Jesus offers Himself to you, especially in Holy Communion.  Do you accept Jesus into your inner being?  He is waiting for you, and has been since He created you and every moment since.  Do not make Him wait.

   Jesus, I offer You myself as a dwelling place for You.  Help me in all of my needs and most of all, thank You for being my Merciful Gift, my Merciful Jesus.  Help me never to forget Your love for me every moment of my life. Amen.