God's just law prescribed "life for life" (Ex 21:23), that is, David's death in punishment for arranging Uriah's death. However, God is "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4). Therefore, God mercifully told David that He forgave his sin and promised that David would not die (2 Sm 12:13). Later, God restored David's happiness and blessed him abundantly. This is great news for all sinners, especially for sexual sinners.

Where is the mercy and the justice for Uriah and for those like him who innocently suffer the consequences of the sins of others? Are you a Uriah? Has your spouse or boss betrayed you through their sin? Have you suffered years of neglect because your parent chose to walk out of your life due to sexual sin? Where is the mercy and the justice for you?

The mercy and justice for innocent victims is a Person: Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us (Mt 1:23). Mysteriously, God provided for all victims of all time by sending His Son to be an innocent Victim Who would suffer far more than any of us. Jesus has become our Justice (1 Cor 1:30). He is also our Mercy. In Jesus, victims may not always receive justice in tangible ways. However, those victims who abandon themselves to Jesus receive consolation far beyond what they could ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20).

God knows the perfect way to repay victims for their sufferings and wasted years (see Jl 2:25). Accept Jesus, the perfect Victim, as your Mercy and Justice. Jesus will not leave you orphaned or abandoned (Jn 14:18). Then "leave it to the Lord" (Ps 37:7) to take care of the rest.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert A. Stricker, June 23, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2003