This past couple of weeks I have had the honor of leading our Bible Study Group through a study of God’s divine mercy in Sacred Scripture. Here is what I have learned so far.
- Scripture is the story of God’s mercy and love.
- There can be no mercy without justice and no justice without law and God’s law is perfect.
- God’s first act of mercy was to give Adam and Eve the law. Satan’s first act was to lie to Adam and Eve in saying that disobedience to God would make them like God, for they would become gods making law unto themselves. Sounds familiar?
- Using Ignatian Contemplation, we were able to enter into the Scripture story and gain a deeper understanding of God’s mercy, and how He continually searches His people (us) out and forgives them when they seek his mercy.
- We saw the cycle of sin: rebellion, suffering, supplication, forgiveness, peace. This cycle was repeated over and over throughout the Old Testament and it continues today.
- We saw God’s greatest act of mercy, Jesus Christ, and by entering into the stories gained a greater understanding of God’s mercy through Jesus Christ.
- I came to understand that our choosing my will rather than seeking out God’s will was exactly what Adam and Eve did. I chose to be my own law and became my own god. But thank Him for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- God is not vindictive. If we choose another path, He will not interfere with our free will. His mercy is always there and all we have to do is say “I’m sorry and I will try to trust more”. Did you ever wonder what would have happened if Adam and Eve had simply said “I’m sorry” rather than blame one another?
Ironically, this study began just after the Covid-19 pandemic and we had to continue our study via email. Considering the world today, especially here in the United States, how far have we strayed from God’s law. PLEASE! I AM NOT SAYING THAT THIS PANDEMIC IS GOD’S VENGEANCE, but isn’t it time to look at the path we are traveling and re-evaluate our direction? In making our laws have we sought to become God? Is God seeking us out, giving us time in “lock-down” to seek His path and His mercy? As Jesus told Saint Faustina, “He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice”.
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Jesus, I trust in You.
For a PowerPoint explanation of Ignatian Contemplation and Examen CLICK HERE
