September 11, 2022
“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”
The fifteenth chapter of St. Luke is the chapter of mercy with the three parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son or forgiving Father. All of us know what makes us happy. We also try to make others happy by words, kindness, gifts. Is that not the end result of these parables, to make both God and ourselves happy? Did not the beatitudes speak of what is happiness and the reward promised to make sure we are happy?
Pope Francis stated that God's last name is ‘mercy’, and it is a gift I can offer someone else.
by Rev. William J. Reilly