The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 12, 2004
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 32:7-11,13-14
Psalm 51:3-4,12-13,17,19
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's readings are attempting to illustrate for us something about God's mercy. It is important for us to realize however, that no matter how hard we try, we can never fully appreciate the extent to which we have offended the heart of our Creator, and in turn, the extent of His mercy and love in granting us His forgiveness.

In the first reading we see how God listens to the intercessory plea of Moses on behalf of sinful Israel. In the second, we hear St. Paul tell us how the mercy of God touched him, who once was a blasphemer and persecutor of Jesus, not only forgiving him, but giving him a share in preaching about God's saving plan.

Finally, in the Gospel, we hear Jesus telling three parables to convey something about God's affection and concern for the lost sinner and His delight when at last they are found and returned safely back into the arms of their loving God.

Together, these words from Sacred Scripture paint an extraordinary picture of God and yet we know, fail to completely capture all the immenseness of God's love and mercy.

Let us ponder for our good, the wonder of God who delights in us though we are sinners. May we be determined more and more consistently to avoid offending His generous and loving heart.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:14 AM