God Will Safeguard Us
Thus says the Lord:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not a man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you. (Hos 11:1,3-4,8c-9)
Today is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Our readings remind us of something very hopeful: God searches out sinners.
My aunt, a convert, used to say that one of the reasons she came into the Catholic Church was because we held out great hope for sinners and freely acknowledged that we are all sinners. She always took comfort in that fact, as she took comfort in the love of the Lord.
Jesus calls us to Himself. His heart is open to all who come to Him. He will forgive us anything if we return to Him contrite.
That is the Good News today. That is the very good news.
Embrace it.
Count on it.
FAITH ACTION: Make a good examination of conscience and a good act of contrition this day. If necessary, try to go to confession this weekend.