Daily Thought For March 24, 2021

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 God's Mercy Sets Us Free

Pinocchio was free to tell a lie, but he was not free from the effect it had on his nose. Freedom is a fragile gift. Misusing it results in losing it and becoming a slave. Addiction confirms it. I may be free to take an addictive drug, but later I will not be free not to take it. 

The truth is that God is love frees us from living in fear of him. God's mercy free us from attempting to hide our sin from him, like Adam and Eve, who clothed themselves and hid from God to avoid being seen in the nakedness of their accusing consciences. Lent is the season of running to God, not away from him. 

God is omniscient and omnipresent. There is no shielding ourselves from his gaze. Avoiding him is slavery to the fear of condemnation. But there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:10). The only truth that frees us from avoiding the truth about sin is the higher truth of God's mercy. Faith in God's mercy is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything (1 John 3:19-20).

Reflection based on John 8:31-42

Douglas Bushman


Most merciful Father, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I thank you for looking with mercy upon my contrite hearts and afflicted spirit, and for healing troubled conscience. 

Today's suggested penance: Instruct the ignorant. 

from The Magnificat Companion Lent 2021 p. 52)

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