Memorial of Saint
Agatha, virgin and martyr
(Hebrews 12:18-19.21-24; Mark 6:17-13)
The woman came to the Sacrament of Reconciliation
trembling. She wanted to confess a sin
which was very embarrassing. She had
never the courage to tell it to anyone before, even in confession. After acknowledging the deed, she left the
confessional with a relieved heart. Her
experience fulfills the promise made in the frist reading today.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews in our reading
today exhorts his readers to come to the Lord. He says that just as the woman
trembling in confession, they will find not harshness but mercy. God is
supremely good, but His goodness should not cause people to feel humiliated as
if it meant to put them down. Rather it
is best described as “mercy within mercy.” Like a seasoned kindergarten teacher
who helps children overcome their fears, God means to lift those who beg his
pardon.
We should go to God in all human seasons: in good times
to thank Him, in trying times to ask his help, in moments of folly to seek his
mercy, and in sorrow to find his consolation.
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