God the Father's tender love, compassion and mercy are quite evident in the first reading today from the Prophet Hosea. Though his beloved chosen people used their free-will in an inappropriate way and turned against him, not just once, but over and over again – HE STILL DESIRES TO HAVE MERCY ON THEM and to withhold his justifiable anger and punishment.
His heart is overwhelmed, his pity is stirred; and he remembers when they were like children to him, and how he took them in his arms, and drew them with human cords, with bands of love!
And so, he tells them that he will not act as men act – who want merciless revenge when they are sinned against– he rather will act as only God can act: with infinite compassion and merciful forgiveness!
In the gospel passage Jesus is offering the exact same kind of justice, compassion, mercy and forgiveness – to the descendants of the same people of Israel who are still sinning and turning against him – but he also offers it to all men and women everywhere: this is what it means that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!; it is here, for everyone; the justice and mercy and forgiveness are right here and right now for those who ask for them.
This message is so inclusive and powerful and conclusive that Jesus tells his Apostles whose job it is to deliver the message: "Make the proclamation: The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Work wonders and signs to give credibility to the message! Then, let the message reside where it will! For those who are not yet ready to receive the message or who will not receive it: leave them, alone; leave their towns, shaking the dust of its streets from your feet and pray very hard for their future conversion!
Those who directly and methodically and deliberately reject the message of salvation after obtaining full and deep understanding of it will be held accountable for their decision on the Last Day – and their judgment before Jesus, Just Judge will be very difficult!
Let us see your face, O Lord, and we shall be saved. Let us recognize you when we see you and hear you, and simply believe that it is really you!
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