Merciful Love

The Chicago Public Library recently declared an "amnesty day" for borrowers of overdue books. With no findes and no quesitons asked, over ten thousand books were returned, some overdue since 1934!

Every day is "amnesty day" with God. He's more eager to forgive us our debts than we are eager to be forgiven. "You , O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you" (Psalm 86:5).

Who would not call on him? Who more than a prisoner enjoys freedom? And who more than a prisoner enjoys freedom? And who more that a sinner should enjoy God's forgiveness? Since everyone is a sinner (First John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us"!), we can all rejoice that forgiveness doesn't tax our resources but only our Savior's. It is "the blood of Jesus, " not our own efforts, that "cleanses us from all sin" (verse 7).

At the return of an "overdue" sinner, no questions will be asked; we merely return to God in humble repentance. Any Magdalene can hear the gentle, forgiving voice of Jesus urging her to sin no more. A dying thief can hear the promise of an immediate paradise. The housewife with her peccadilloes of impatience can feel the soothing balm of Christ's tender mercy. The inconsiderate husband can see his selfishness replaced by the selflessness of a strong but kindly Jesus. The child can see his little flaws of disobedience melt in the springtime smile of the lover of little ones. The ear of God is always attuned to hear the sheepish words 'I'm sorry" as we "approach the throne of grace" to "receive mercy" (Hebrews 4:16).

This excerpt is from the book The Awesome Mercy of God, by John H. Hampsch,C.M.F., originally published by Servant Books. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.