Protected by God's mercy

My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionMonday of the Fifth Week of LentMarch 30, 2009
Today's Readings:Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6John 8:1-11http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/033009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_30.mp3
Protected by God's mercy
Have you ever been accused unmercifully? Whether we have been rightly reprimanded (like the woman found in adultery in today's Gospel reading) or falsely accused (like Susanna in the first reading), we feel terribly invalidated when we have to endure condemnation without forgiveness.Feeling remorseful for a genuine sin does not make it easier to accept the harsh reactions of others, so we defend ourselves rather than admit our guilt, and we try to rationalize away our sins. We want to protect ourselves from a crushing sense of shame.
Does it really work though? No, only mercy can protect us. Only mercy can validate our worth. Without it, we try to manipulate people into liking us and approving of us and affirming us. The more we sin, the more desperate we become for other people's approval. And the more desperate we become, the less remorse we feel for what we've done wrong, because remorse is a feeling that says we deserve disapproval.
To fill the emptiness and heal the wound, we need to realize that we've been forgiven by the mercy of God. The Sacrament of Confession gives us audible proof of this mercy. And we must understand that it's only God's opinion of us that really matters. Even if others refuse to give us mercy, if we know that we have God's mercy, we will have peace and the sense of personal value that we need.
When we're falsely accused, we feel empty and invalidated because the truth has been misjudged and we're at the mercy of others' wrong opinions of us. They're rejecting us and it's totally unfair. We hunger for their affirmation, and if we don't receive it, we defend ourselves and offend them. We convert our innocence into selfishness and pride and unloving behavior.
To fill this emptiness and heal this wound, we need to realize that we are protected by the mercy of God, and we must remind ourselves that it's only his opinion of us that really matters.
No one can validate us or heal us like God can. He alone loves us no matter what we do. Mercifully, when we deserve punishment, he says: "I do not condemn you. I love you. Go on with your life and sin no more, but be assured that I will always love you, even if you sin this way again."
God has more mercy to give you than you've allowed yourself to receive. Meditate on this and open yourself to his steady, merciful love. He wants to free you from the need to be validated and healed by people.
This truth will free you to love others even when they sin against you. With Jesus, tell the Father: "I do not condemn them. Please grant them your forgiveness even if they do not ask for it."
We forgive others not because they repent (some never will), but because God has been merciful to us. As we have received mercy from him, so do we share his mercy with others.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: From whom (besides God) have you been seeking validation? What are you going to do to center yourself on God instead?
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe