Jesus welcomes [all]. But not only does He welcome, He goes out to see people just as He went out to find this man. And if people are hurt, what does Jesus do? Scold them because they are hurt? No, He comes and He carries them on His shoulders. – Pope Francis
Unless you understand that God’s mercy is not only for other people but for you, you’d never really know what God’s mercy is. This is humility, knowing that you are also a recipient of the mercy of God.
It is true that you are called to be an instrument of His mercy and love, to show kindness to others, to help those in need. But you forget that you too, need to be shown kindness. You, too, need help and understanding and love.
God has not forgotten you. God gave His only begotten Son for you. God has redeemed you with His love.
For you, He makes the sun to rise each day; He makes the rain to fall. He orders the earth to give its fruits. He sets the limits of the seas.
He forgives you. He knows your limits and He understands when you fall.
He is patient with you. He pursues you even when you turn away.
He knows your hurts and He is the One who will heal you. He will defend you as He defends the widows and the orphans. He is the One who will avenge for you!
Mercy is not only reserved for others. It is yours as well. Why would He leave the ninety nine sheep behind if not for you?
God awaits you, always. He is the merciful Father who, instead of speaking words of scorn and blame, waits ever so patiently to embrace you and shower you with kisses!
Put away any thought of His condemnation. He has come to save you with His love. Put away guilt that thinks more about your misery than about the infinite goodness of God. Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
You are my servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away.
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
Yes, I will help you.
Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Isaiah 41:9-10, WEB-BE
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"