Today’s Readings:
Micah 7:14-15,18-20
Psalm 85:2-8
Matthew 12:46-50
“Bring us back, Almighty God! Show us your mercy, and we will be saved!” (Psalms 80:7 GNT)
I believe that the key to understanding the nature of our interaction with God, the way He sees us, and the way we ought to perceive Him is found in the term “relationship”. It is a word we use often but without any depth of meaning. I found something in today’s readings that can guide our understanding. The prophet Micah shares a prayer of mercy addressed to God (7:14-15,18-20). In this prayer, Micah notes Israel’s past relationship with God and how it should serve the renewed relationship they ought to have: “With a shepherd’s crook, O Lord, lead your people to pasture...grant us to see wonders, taking fault away, pardoning crime, letting go of anger and delight in showing mercy.” The relationship we should desire is one in which we acknowledge our weaknesses, infidelity, and shortcomings and then trust in the mercy of God.
When Jesus says, in the Gospel, that His mother and brothers are “those who do the will of the Father”, He could be referring to the Prophet Micah. The sons and daughters of God are those who rely on His mercy; they do not allow their sinfulness or shortcomings to separate them from God. Such persons continue to say, “God a beg, God a beg…” Do not become puffed up with pride, rebellion and stubbornness. Instead, allow the mercy of God to reign over you. Because without the mercy of God, we are nothing.
Those who are identified as children of God are sinners who turn to God for mercy. If you know in your heart that you are imperfect and you enjoy God’s mercy, you will be quick to offer it to those who have offended you (friends, spouse, children, parents etc.). Imitate God by “Not cherishing anger forever but showing mercy, pardoning crime, taking faults away and being faithful”. Jesus teaches that the merciful shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7).
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, have mercy on me.
Lord, shower your blessings on me.
Lord, give me strength to forgive the hurts others have inflicted on me.
Lord, teach me to be merciful.
Lord, heal my memory of past hurts.
Lord, open my eyes to see the wrong that I have done and continue to do.
Lord, give me true sorrow for my sins.
Lord, help me to ask forgiveness from those I have hurt and keep me close to You. Amen.
Help me to seek forgiveness from those I have hurt and give me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me so deeply, that peace may reign over my life, in Jesus' name, men.
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