know mercy, know hope
"His mercy endures forever." —Psalm 118:2, 3, 4
Christians are characteristically a people of hope, for we have a realistic basis for hope. Because of our sins and the mega-death throughout history and especially in modern times, we all justly deserve to be destroyed and even damned. However, Jesus became our justice (1 Cor 1:30). He took our sins on Himself (Is 53:5-6) and died that we may live. Because Jesus has justified us, the just God is free to show us mercy, that is, to treat us better than we deserve. There is little hope when the just God must deal with our culture of death. But there is great hope in the mercy flowing from Christ, our Justification.
On this last day of the octave of Easter, repent and accept Jesus as your Justice, Lord, and God (Jn 20:28). Because Jesus received your justice, you can receive His mercy. God is "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4). Let Him share the riches of His mercy with you. Then "should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply" (1 Pt 3:15).
Prayer: Father, may I suffer whatever is necessary to give to others the mercy and hope I receive from You.
Promise: "Receive the Holy Spirit" —Jn 20:22
Praise: Praise our risen Lord, Who holds "the keys of death and the nether world" (Rv 1:18). "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order Fr. Lauer's tape on Hope for the Hopeless on audio AV 63-1 or video V-63.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000