Tuesday, August 1, 2023

 

Memorial of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Exodus 33:7-11,34:5b-9.28; Matthew 13:36-43)

In today’s first reading God gives an extraordinary and paradoxical self-disclosure.  The Almighty and Eternal says that He is both wonderfully kind and exceedingly strict.  How should this seeming contrast be understood?

Jesus provides the full revelation of God in a similar way.  He speaks of God as a Father always willing to assist a son or daughter.  But Jesus does not refrain from saying that God will punish evil people for their misdeeds.  The key to understanding God seems to be repentance.  God bestows only good things on His people.  If they show ingratitude or rebellion, He will take offense and prepare to punish them.  But if they seek forgiveness, they can count on His mercy.

We may have difficulty repenting.  It not only takes humility to say, “I am sorry”.  It also takes a strong will to change from pursuing one’s desire to doing what is right.  However, if we are so willing, we can count on the Lord for help.

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