True Compassion

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I've been pretty sick all week with the terrible stomach bug that's been going around. I was tenderly watched over by my husband, who would blessedly, softly touch my warm forehead to measure my temperature, pray the rosary for me, bring me whatever I needed and just compassionately stand beside me, caring for me.

How do we experience God's compassion? We know and believe it is real, but how do we feel his tender touch, his loving gaze?

I'm still working on that, but the closest I can come to an answer is his presence. His presence in the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in particular stands out for me. It is where he pours out his grace and mercy on us (which he does in all the sacraments.)

But I think sometimes we don't appreciate what it means to be forgiven in Confession. I think sometimes we just don't comprehend what a merciful act it is for us to have all of our sins washed away, freeing us from their burden, moving us toward eternal life.

God's love is tangible and present to us if we turn our gaze toward him. I was thinking about the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) and how I have missed the humility it took for the younger son to return to the father.

We know he returned home to the father because he was hungry and so forth, but have we ever considered the genuine humility he showed in doing so?

Maybe you, too, are desperate in some way and need to come home this Lent. Don't let your pride stop you, but through true humility turn back to the Father. There is no chance that he will not welcome you.

Come, experience his love and compassion. It will do wonders to heal you from whatever sickness you are experiencing in life.

Pray for peace and an end to war. 

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy 

 

 

 

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