Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt
and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever,
but delights rather in clemency,
And will again have compassion on us,
treading underfoot our guilt?
You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins;
You will show faithfulness to Jacob,
and grace to Abraham,
As you have sworn to our fathers
from days of old.
The story of the prodigal son and his father is used often during Lenten Penance services. It is a universal favorite for all Christians, the source of many moving sermons, songs and stories.
It's origins, of course, are in the Old Testament. Jesus did not need to rewrite the Scriptures when he fulfilled every jot and tittle of it.
The prophet Micah pondered the sins of Israel, the punishment of Babylonian Captivity and their deliverance.
His words today reflect the spirit of a man who, despite the corruption in government and business which he saw, their institutional lack of mercy for widows, orphans, the displaced and the poor, and the violent consequences he expected, Micah knew a God who removes guilt and pardons sins.
He could speak of doom to his contemporaries and yet find solace in his prayer, and bring solace to anyone who would listen to him.
When the wrath fell upon the city, many would turn away from God, as they do today. They would complain that God has abandoned his people; God is unjust in his punishments. "What did we ever do to bring this violence upon ourselves?"
In the purity of his encounter with God, Micah knew they still refused to see their guilt.
Each of us must seek that knowledge of God. It is there in the Our Father and the Hail Mary. It is there in Mass attendance. I see it on the faces of people as they stand before the altar. Only that reassurance of God's Goodness can sustain us when trouble comes -- as it always does.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.