Into the Realm of Mercy is our first step Forward

Into the Realm of Mercy is our first step Forward

Yes, we suffered with Christ for 40 days, felt discomfort as we watched him die, then stood in awe as he said to Mary of Magdala; “Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you looking for?”   (Jn 20: 15).

But now, where do we go from here?  Awaking from the joy each one of us has beheld; and responding to the many souls who still are in disbelief!

The questions that may astound us who believe in the Resurrection and find an emptiness with the absence of hearts from so many who discard this miracle of God’s forgiveness.  This becomes a sign of darkness that is waiting for our acceptance of an evil encounter.

We who believe are saved from eternal death; but the presence of evil, which promotes sin, is still a profound existence.  This is a relative entity, that now more than before Christ;’s Passion is looking to find a way to destroy our joy and make its way into the hearts and minds of any of us who praised the Resurrection of Christ.

Demons of the netherworld are still roaming the earth looking for one or more innocent souls to devour;  “Be sober and vigilant.  Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.  The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen. and establish you after you have suffered a little.  To him be dominion forever.  Amen.”  (1 Pt 5: 8 - 11).

It is the Church that believes first, and so bears, nourishes, and sustains my faith.  Everywhere, it is the Church that first confesses the Lord: "Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you,” as we sing the hymn “Te Deum;” with her and in her, we are won over and brought to confess: “I believe,” “We believe.”  It is through the Church that we receive faith and new life in Christ by Baptism.  In the Roman Ritual, the minister of Baptism asks the catechumen: “What do you ask of God’s Church?”  And the answer is: “Faith.”  “What does your faith offer you?”  “Eternal life.”  (CCC 168).

Faith is necessary for salvation.  The Lord himself affirms; "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”  (CCC 183).

Accepting and believing in what the Resurrection and Ascension mean is the Second Step.  

Ralph B. Hathaway