he loves the unlovable
"As He passed by, He saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. He said to him, 'Follow Me.' And he got up and followed Him." —Mark 2:14
Although it was a serious sin for a Jew to be a tax collector, Levi chose to be one. Jesus called Levi out of his sinful job and into being an apostle and missionary. If we repent, we can follow Jesus' call even if we are damaged goods, for Jesus comes not for the healthy but for the sick, not for the righteous but for sinners (Mk 2:17). Jesus is a merciful High Priest (Heb 2:17) Who will "sympathize with our weaknesses" (Heb 4:15). He did not come to condemn but to save (Jn 3:17). Even if everyone else rejects us, Jesus will never reject us (Jn 6:37).
There is hope for the human race because of Jesus' mercy — and only because of His mercy. No matter how low we've been, Jesus will take us to heights where we alone could never go. Jesus loves the unlovable. Trust in Jesus. "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help" (Heb 4:16).
Prayer: Father, give mercy to me and through me.
Promise: "Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart." —Heb 4:12
Praise: Louise committed adultery and lost her husband and her children but through repentance eventually found Love.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Divine Love on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002