2-Nov-15

Gospel JN 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Reflection:
Jesus Christ said, "For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”
When I grew up in the 1950's, the basic teaching was if you're good God lets you into Heaven. If you're bad, you're sent to Hell. We were also taught that you could always say you're sorry and have a desire to do better. Then, you could say an act of contrition and you'd be back on the fast track to Heaven.
Well meaning people who never get to see my many faults and failings, often say to me, "Jim, you volunteer at My Brother's Keeper and you're involved at the Retreat House. If there's any justice, you're going straight to Heaven."
My reply is always the same. "Yes, I'm going to Heaven for sure, but not because of justice. Justice is the last thing I want. If I get justice, I'm going to be in big trouble.
I'm going to Heaven because of Mercy. My Father in Heaven loves me and He will overlook my many sins and welcome me home because He loves me."
What about those who believe in Jesus and whose conduct has been sinful but never say they're sorry, never go to church, and never pray or help others?
I believe Jesus is speaking of them too, because He says, "For this is the will of my Father that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life,"
Where in scripture do I find justification for this unwavering confidence in the Mercy of God?
Luke 15:20 - The Return of the Prodigal Son
"So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him."
Luke 7: 47 The Sinful Women Who Washed Jesus' Feet With Her Tears
Jesus answered the Pharisee, "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much......”
Pope Francis has echoed Jesus' words in these gospel passages by proclaiming a "Year of Mercy!"
In his September 15, 2015 letter to the President of the Pontifical Council, Pope Francis said, "I wish that the Jubilee Indulgence may reach each one as a genuine experience of God’s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely the sin committed."
Extend love and mercy to everyone and surely, in spite of your sins, the love and mercy of God will be yours. For as Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7....and "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful"...."the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6: 36-38
"Look into My Heart and see there the love and mercy which I have for humankind, and especially for sinners....." Jesus to St. Faustina (Diary 1663)