Abraham came to invoke the infinite mercy of God in the 18th chapter of Genesis. From fifty, to forty-five, to forty, to thirty, to twenty, and finally to ten innocent people. God would rather convert the heart of the sinful then to have them be destroyed and cast off. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were so perverse that not even ten righteous people could be found here. Through the intercession of Abraham the Lord was prepared to forgive these people and yet they wanted nothing to do with His mercy.
In this day and age many have lost sight of the reality of God’s justice. We often forget that God is the just judge who not only rewards the good, but also punishes the wicked. Sin is not something that we should celebrate, but rather it is something that we should rebuke. If we are to understand the infinite mercy of God then we must also come to understand how He is just.
God is just for in the words of the Prophet Ezekiel “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” but desires “that they turn from their wicked ways and live.” Justice becomes necessary for without it their cannot be mercy. Without justice we would be left deformed and incomplete for without justice injustice would be allowed to continue for all eternity. God in His merciful love is just for He allows those who reject His law, grace, and mercy to do as they wish. In His merciful love He thrusts nothing upon those who reject it and thus freely choose for themself this rejection of His mercy.
From the Book of James we hear: “Mercy exalts itself above judgment.” It is my fervent hope that we prevail ourself to the infinite mercy of God. So many might look at the situation of Sodom and Gomorrah and say what was the big deal. The same is true that some would look at their sinful behavior and ask what is the big deal for it hurts no one. Others have failed to examine their conscience and fail to educate theirself in the precepts and teachings of our faith. Hopefully we will become inspired to not only learn what we believe and profess, but also live it.
Our Epistle left us with the image of the cross. From the cross we look to see this vision of God’s infinite mercy. Christ died for each of us and His grace is found sufficient. Nevertheless, we are free to reject this great gift of God’s mercy and want nothing to do with it.
Our Gospel instructs that we are to continue to knock at the door and it will be opened for us. So many have lost sight of God’s justice and mercy. They fail to ask for His pardon and help in the midst of their life; especially in the midst of their sinfulness and temptations. As the faithful who make up the Church of God we cannot fail to make use of the Sacrament of Confession. We are all in need of the mercy and grace which is found here. Yet sadly, their are many who call themselves practical Catholics who pride themself at the fact that they have not been to confession in years.
God is merciful with us, but He is also just. Do we truly desire to receive this mercy or would we rather run from it and turn towards our former way of life before we came to be claimed by Christ Jesus in the Sacrament of Baptism? Flock to His infinite mercy for His mercy endures forever.
