The Seasons: A Poem

Posted by on
Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
0

God, in His very being, is Mercy

Posted by on
Matthew 18:21-35

I remember distinctly a very dear friend of mine confiding in me that he could not bring himself to forgive his boss for the way he had treated him.  My friend was offended, was prepared to quit his job, and could in no way bring himself to forgive his employer.

I remember it distinctly because the look of unbelief in my eyes must have shocked him and pierced him to the core.  I simply said to my friend, "of all the people in the world, how can YOU not be ready to forgive another?"  My friend was cut to the quick and looked away.

You see, my friend spent most of his teenage years in prison for murder.  Once he was released he lived a less than holy life focused on himself alone.  Only recently did he experience the healing power of God.  He not only experienced forgiveness from God for his taking of a life, he was able to receive forgiveness and closure from the family.  In fact, God had worked so powerfully in his life that he dedicated his life to helping minister to those in prison and those imprisoned by addiction.

I didn't speak to my friend in a condemning way nor judge him but rather I asked the question simply, as if I were pleading with him to think of what he was saying.  Both of us instantly thought of today's Gospel.

God is Mercy.  From the very beginning, moments after the fall of our first parents, God has been extending His hand to us in mercy.  His mercy didn't stop at the Crucifixion and it continues to this very moment.  God, in His very being, is Mercy.  He cannot help Himself, that is who He is and it is what He wants for us.

We, on the other hand, need practice.  For us, mercy is a habit.  It is something we must work on.  However, if we keep today's Gospel in mind, it will certainly help us to be more merciful.  God has forgiven a debt we could never repay.  What then is there in our life that we can not forgive?  The answer should be - nothing.  If God can forgive our sins, and often ones we tend to repeat far more than 77 times, how can we even consider withholding mercy from others?  As St. John Chrysologus says in reference to mercy, "You will not be allowed to keep what you have refused to give to others."

Many may say, "but how is now a time of mercy?"  Yes, today, things are more difficult than they ever have been for most of us.  The economy is not where we want it to be. The threat of World War III is a very real possibility. Many dioceses are closing parishes and scandal prowls about looking for souls to devour.  The desert of Lent has become more bleak than we could have ever imagined.

Yet this too may also been seen as a time of mercy, a time to repent, a time to rend our hearts and not our garments.  God is allowing us the opportunity to once more think of Him and turn our hearts to Him.  Let's do that, let's cry out to the Lord for mercy.  

During the season of Lent we replace our evening Rosary with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Consider joining your prayers to ours asking the Lord to remember His mercy and help us to do the same for ourselves and others.


Did you enjoy this post? Never miss a blog post from James M. Hahn by following now.
 
My new book of cryptogram puzzles "Secret Messages from the Saints" is available now.
  
Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books - Fiction

Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom.

* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

Comments

Post a Comment