Wisdom from Pope John Paul II

So I will reflect on the words of Pope John Paul II today and be guided by them. From Lent and Easter: Wisdom from Pope John Paul II:

Returned to Dignity By God's Mercy

Mercy--as Christ has presented it in the parable of the prodigal son-- has the interior form of the love that in the New testament is called agape. This love is able to reach down to every prodigal son, to every human misery, and above all to every form of moral misery, to son. When this happens, the person who is the object of mercy does not feel humiliated, but rather found again and "restored to value." The father first and foremost expresses to him his joy that he has been "found again" and that he has "returned to life." This joy indicates a good that has remained intact: even if he is prodigal, a son does not cease to be truly his father's son; it also indicates a good that has been found again, which in the case of the prodigal son has his return to the truth about himself.

Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy), November 30, 1980

The Merciful Love of the Father

Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had tow sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, Give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few day later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living...So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and dissed him Then the son said to him 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; am no longer worthy to be called your so.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. and get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again' he was lost and is found:' And the began to celebrate."

Luke 15:1-13, 20-24

Prayer

Merciful Father, I sometimes turn from you and reject your love. I think I can make it on my own and i Stubbornly refuse to follow you. If it were not for your mercy, I would be forever lost. Help me to remember that you are always waiting to welcome me back and to restore my great dignity as your child.

Lenten Action

Show thanks for God's mercy in your life by reflecting it. When someone wrongs you today, excuse him or her...eve before he or she asks for forgiveness.

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I will spend my day developing my compassion and understanding. I will welcome those I meet this day and greet them with a smile though it may be difficult. For I have been greeted by others with this same smile when I have not been worthy of it!

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Thanks be to God!