A Call to Repentance and Hope

Today’s Mass readings form a poignant tapestry of lamentation, repentance, and hope. They invite us to reflect deeply on our personal and communal sins, the merciful nature of God, and the ultimate reality of divine justice. From the prophet Jeremiah’s heartfelt plea to the Responsorial Psalm’s cry for mercy and Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Weeds, we are led on a journey that challenges us to examine our lives, seek forgiveness, and trust in God’s providence.

Historical, Cultural, and Religious Background

The readings take us back to pivotal moments in the history of God’s people. Jeremiah prophesied during a time of great turmoil for Judah, as they faced the imminent threat of Babylonian invasion and exile. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, during which Judah oscillated between periods of reform and blatant idolatry. The anguish and despair captured in Jeremiah’s lament reflect a nation grappling with the consequences of their unfaithfulness to God.

Psalm 79, attributed to Asaph, likely echoes the destruction of Jerusalem, either during the Babylonian conquest or other periods of calamity. It captures the collective grief and plea for divine intervention as the people seek restoration and forgiveness.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus using parables to convey profound truths about the Kingdom of God. The Parable of the Weeds, explained in today’s Gospel, was part of Jesus’ teachings to His disciples and the crowds. Parables were a common teaching method in Jewish tradition, using everyday images to illustrate spiritual realities. This parable, in particular, addresses the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the final judgment.

Jeremiah’s lament and the Psalm reflect a culture deeply connected to the land and the Temple. The devastation of the land and the desecration of the Temple symbolized not just physical destruction but a profound spiritual crisis. The people’s identity and faith were intertwined with the covenant God had established with them, centered around the Temple worship and the Promised Land.

In Jesus’ time, agricultural imagery was familiar to His audience, many of whom were farmers or lived in agrarian communities. The parable’s depiction of sowing, growing, and harvesting would resonate with their daily experiences and cultural understanding.

Repentance, Mercy, and Judgment

Today’s readings are unified by the theme of repentance leading to divine mercy and the eventual judgment. Jeremiah’s lament calls the people to recognize their sins and return to God. The Responsorial Psalm echoes this sentiment, pleading for God’s forgiveness and deliverance. Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Weeds underscores the inevitability of judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.

As we delve into each reading, let us open our hearts to the lessons they impart. These scriptures not only remind us of the historical events that shaped the faith of our ancestors but also speak to our current spiritual journey. We are called to acknowledge our own sinfulness, seek God’s mercy, and strive for righteousness in anticipation of the final judgment.

In our modern context, these themes are ever-relevant. We live in a world where the struggle between good and evil continues. These readings challenge us to reflect on our lives, identify areas where we need to repent, and trust in God’s unfailing mercy and justice.

Let us now journey through the readings, verse by verse, uncovering the depth of their meaning and the practical applications for our daily lives. May this exegesis deepen our faith, draw us closer to God, and inspire us to live out the call to holiness with renewed vigor.

First Reading – Jeremiah 14:17-22

A Cry for Mercy

The Book of Jeremiah is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, chronicling the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Jeremiah’s prophetic career spanned the reigns of several Judean kings, including Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. His messages often centered on themes of impending judgment, repentance, and hope for restoration.

The historical context of this passage is crucial. Jeremiah’s ministry took place during a time of significant political upheaval. The kingdom of Judah was facing external threats from powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and eventually Babylon. Internally, the nation struggled with idolatry, social injustice, and a failure to adhere to the covenantal laws given by God through Moses. Jeremiah’s prophecies warned of the consequences of these sins, particularly the impending Babylonian exile, which eventually occurred in 586 BCE when Jerusalem was destroyed, and many of its inhabitants were taken into captivity.

In this particular passage, Jeremiah expresses a deep lament over the suffering of his people. His words reflect both a personal and communal sorrow, capturing the anguish of a nation experiencing the devastating consequences of their unfaithfulness. This lament is a call to recognize their sins, seek God’s mercy, and remember His covenant promises.

Jeremiah 14:17-22 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁷ You shall say to them this word:
Let my eyes run down with tears night and day,
    and let them not cease,
for the virgin daughter—my people—is struck down with a crushing blow,
    with a very grievous wound.
¹⁸ If I go out into the field,
    look—those killed by the sword!
And if I enter the city,
    look—those sick with famine!
For both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land,
    and have no knowledge.
The People Plead for Mercy
¹⁹ Have you completely rejected Judah?
    Does your heart loathe Zion?
Why have you struck us down
    so that there is no healing for us?
We look for peace, but find no good;
    for a time of healing, but there is terror instead.
²⁰ We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord,
    the iniquity of our ancestors,
    for we have sinned against you.
²¹ Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake;
    do not dishonor your glorious throne;
    remember and do not break your covenant with us.
²² Can any idols of the nations bring rain?
    Or can the heavens give showers?
Is it not you, O Lord our God?
    We set our hope on you,
    for it is you who do all this.

Exegesis of Jeremiah 14:17-22

Verse 17: “You shall say to them this word: Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease, for the virgin daughter—my people—is struck down with a crushing blow, with a very grievous wound.”

Jeremiah’s command to “say to them this word” indicates that his lament is a divine message. The imagery of unceasing tears highlights the prophet’s deep compassion and empathy for his people. Referring to Judah as the “virgin daughter” emphasizes her vulnerability and the grievousness of her wound, suggesting that her suffering is not just physical but also spiritual and communal.

Verse 18: “If I go out into the field, look—those killed by the sword! And if I enter the city, look—those sick with famine! For both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land, and have no knowledge.”

Jeremiah paints a stark picture of widespread devastation. The field and the city, representing all of Judah, are filled with death and suffering. The mention of “prophet and priest” having “no knowledge” critiques the religious leaders who should have been guiding the people but instead contributed to their downfall through ignorance or corruption.

Verses 19-20: “Have you completely rejected Judah? Does your heart loathe Zion? Why have you struck us down so that there is no healing for us? We look for peace, but find no good; for a time of healing, but there is terror instead. We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, the iniquity of our ancestors, for we have sinned against you.”

The questions posed to God reflect a deep sense of abandonment and confusion. The people seek peace and healing but find only terror. Their acknowledgment of wickedness and the sins of their ancestors shows a collective confession, recognizing that their current suffering is a result of accumulated unfaithfulness over generations.

Verses 21-22: “Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake; do not dishonor your glorious throne; remember and do not break your covenant with us. Can any idols of the nations bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Is it not you, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for it is you who do all this.”

The plea shifts to a reminder of God’s covenant and His unique power. The people acknowledge that only God can save them, unlike the impotent idols of other nations. Their hope rests in His mercy.

Teachings and References

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes the importance of repentance and trust in God’s mercy. True repentance involves not only recognizing our sins but also turning back to God with hope in His forgiveness (CCC 1428). The communal aspect of confession, as seen in this passage, reflects the Church’s teaching on the need for both personal and communal repentance (CCC 1434-1439).

Saint Augustine, in his Confessions, frequently acknowledges his sins and the sins of humanity, always pointing back to God’s mercy and grace as the source of hope and redemption (Confessions, Book 1). His writings echo the sentiment found in Jeremiah’s lament, where the recognition of sin leads to a plea for divine mercy.

The Church Fathers also stressed the importance of understanding the role of suffering in the life of the believer. St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, often spoke about the purifying and redemptive nature of suffering when it leads us back to God in repentance and faith (Homilies on Matthew, Homily 6).

Reflection

Jeremiah’s lament invites us to consider our own lives and the ways we may have strayed from God’s path. It challenges us to reflect on our personal and communal sins, recognizing the impact they have not only on ourselves but also on our communities and our relationship with God.

In our daily lives, moments of suffering and hardship can be opportunities to turn back to God with sincere repentance. Reflect on areas where you may need to seek God’s forgiveness.

1. How can you, like Jeremiah and the people of Judah, acknowledge your sins and place your hope in God’s mercy?
2. Consider also the role of leaders in your life—both spiritual and secular.
3. How can yousupport and pray for leaders to have the wisdom and knowledge to guide others faithfully?

Practical Application

1. Daily Examination of Conscience: Take time each day to reflect on your actions and attitudes. Acknowledge your sins and ask for God’s forgiveness, trusting in His mercy.
2. Communal Prayer and Confession: Engage in communal acts of repentance, such as participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and communal prayer services, recognizing the collective nature of sin and redemption.
3. Support and Pray for Leaders: Pray for spiritual and community leaders to have the wisdom and courage to lead with knowledge and integrity, and offer support where you can.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 14:17-22 offers a profound reflection on the nature of sin, suffering, and divine mercy. As we internalize these lessons, may we be moved to genuine repentance and a deeper trust in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13

A Plea for Deliverance

Psalm 79 is one of the communal laments in the Book of Psalms, attributed to Asaph. This psalm reflects a period of immense suffering and desolation for the people of Israel, likely during or after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The city lay in ruins, the Temple desecrated, and many of the people were either killed or taken into exile. The psalm captures the collective grief and urgent plea for divine intervention, seeking God’s mercy and deliverance from their dire circumstances.

Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁸ Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors;
    let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
    for we are brought very low.
⁹ Help us, O God of our salvation,
    for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and forgive our sins,
    for your name’s sake.
¹¹ Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;
    according to your great power preserve those doomed to die.
¹³ Then we your people, the flock of your pasture,
    will give thanks to you forever;
    from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

Exegesis of Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13

Verse 8: “Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.”

The psalmist begins with a plea for God to overlook the sins of their ancestors. This acknowledgment of generational sin reflects a deep understanding of corporate responsibility and the enduring consequences of unfaithfulness. The request for God’s compassion to come swiftly underscores the urgency of their situation, as they find themselves in a state of extreme distress and humiliation.

Verse 9: “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.”

Here, the psalmist appeals to God as the “God of our salvation,” emphasizing His role as the ultimate deliverer. The plea is not just for personal relief but for the glory of God’s name. This invocation highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where God’s reputation is intertwined with their well-being. The request for forgiveness “for your name’s sake” reflects a desire for God’s glory to be upheld through His acts of mercy and salvation.

Verse 11: “Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power preserve those doomed to die.”

This verse shifts focus to those in captivity, whose groans represent their suffering and plea for liberation. The psalmist calls on God’s great power to save those facing death, highlighting the belief in God’s ability to rescue and redeem even in the most desperate situations.

Verse 13: “Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.”

The psalm concludes with a vow of perpetual gratitude and praise. In response to God’s anticipated deliverance, the people commit to thanking Him forever, ensuring that His deeds are remembered and celebrated across generations. This promise underscores the importance of worship and testimony in the life of the community.

Teachings and References

The Catechism emphasizes the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and trust in God’s mercy. The psalmist’s plea for God to overlook the sins of the ancestors and to act for the sake of His name resonates with the Church’s teaching on the communal and historical dimensions of sin and redemption (CCC 1422-1424).

The communal aspect of the psalm reflects the Church’s understanding of the collective nature of the Body of Christ. As members of this body, we share in each other’s joys and sufferings, and our prayers and actions have a communal impact (CCC 953).

Saint Augustine, in his “Expositions on the Psalms,” frequently discusses the themes of divine mercy and the necessity of recognizing our dependence on God. He interprets the plea for God not to remember the iniquities of the ancestors as an acknowledgment of human weakness and a cry for divine grace (Expositions on the Psalms, Psalm 79).

The psalm’s emphasis on God’s glory and the vow to give thanks forever align with the Church’s teaching on the purpose of creation and redemption: to glorify God. The ultimate goal of salvation is not merely human well-being but the magnification of God’s name and His attributes (CCC 293).

Reflection

Psalm 79 invites us to reflect on our own need for God’s mercy and deliverance. It challenges us to recognize the collective dimensions of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness not just for ourselves but on behalf of our communities.

1. How often do we acknowledge the sins of our past, both personal and communal, and seek God’s forgiveness for them?
2. Do we appeal to God’s mercy and compassion in our prayers, recognizing our dependence on His grace for salvation?
3. How can you incorporate the communal aspect of repentance into your spiritual practices?
4. In what ways can you support and uplift those who are suffering, echoing the psalmist’s plea for the groans of the prisoners to be heard by God?
5. How can you ensure that God’s deeds of mercy and deliverance are remembered and celebrated in your family or community?

Practical Application:

1. Examine Generational Sins: Reflect on any patterns of sin or unfaithfulness in your family or community history. Seek God’s forgiveness for these and pray for healing and transformation.
2. Prayer for Deliverance: In times of personal or communal distress, turn to God with the same urgency and trust as the psalmist, believing in His power to save and redeem.
3. Commit to Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of gratitude, regularly thanking God for His acts of mercy and sharing testimonies of His goodness with others, ensuring His praise is recounted from generation to generation.

Engaging with God’s Mercy

The plea for God’s intervention in Psalm 79 is deeply rooted in the recognition of His covenantal faithfulness and mercy. As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember to turn to God with sincere repentance and trust in His power to deliver.

By engaging deeply with Psalm 79, we can better understand the profound relationship between repentance, divine mercy, and the call to glorify God through our lives and testimonies. May this reflection inspire us to live out our faith with renewed fervor and commitment to God’s glory.

Holy Gospel – Matthew 13:36-43

Understanding the Parable of the Weeds

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the synoptic gospels, providing a detailed account of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience, it emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah. The parables, a central feature of Jesus’ teaching, were used to convey profound spiritual truths through simple, relatable stories.

In Matthew 13, Jesus delivers a series of parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. The Parable of the Weeds, also known as the Parable of the Tares, is one of these. This parable is unique to Matthew’s Gospel and follows the Parable of the Sower. After teaching the crowds, Jesus explains the parable to His disciples privately, revealing its deeper meaning.

Matthew 13:36-43 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds
³⁶ Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” ³⁷ He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; ³⁸ the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. ⁴⁰ Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, ⁴² and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Exegesis of Matthew 13:36-43

Verse 36: “Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’”

After speaking to the crowds, Jesus retreats into a house, signifying a more intimate setting for deeper teaching. The disciples’ request for an explanation indicates their desire for understanding and their recognition of the parable’s importance.

Verses 37-38: “He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one.’”

Jesus begins by identifying the key elements of the parable. He, the Son of Man, is the sower who plants good seed, representing the children of the kingdom. The field symbolizes the world, encompassing all humanity. The weeds, sown by the devil, represent those influenced by evil.

Verse 39: “The enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.”

The enemy, the devil, sows the weeds, highlighting the presence of evil in the world. The harvest symbolizes the end times when the final judgment will occur, and the reapers, the angels, will execute God’s judgment.

Verses 40-42: “Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus explains the fate of the weeds, representing the final separation of good and evil. The burning of the weeds symbolizes the judgment and punishment of sin and evildoers. The vivid imagery of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” portrays the severity and anguish of the consequences of sin.

Verse 43: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”

In contrast to the fate of the evildoers, the righteous will experience glorification, shining like the sun in God’s Kingdom. This imagery echoes Daniel 12:3, emphasizing the reward and eternal joy of the faithful. Jesus concludes with a call to listen, urging His audience to heed the spiritual truths conveyed.

Teachings and References

The Catechism emphasizes the reality of the final judgment and the importance of living a righteous life in anticipation of Christ’s return (CCC 1038-1041). The parable underscores the coexistence of good and evil until the end of time, reminding believers of the need for vigilance and perseverance in faith.

Saint Augustine, in his Sermons, reflects on the parable as a reminder of the mixed nature of the Church on earth, where the righteous and sinners coexist until the final judgment. He urges the faithful to focus on their own spiritual growth and trust in God’s ultimate justice (Sermons, 73).

Saint Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, discusses the nature of divine justice and the final separation of the righteous and the wicked. He emphasizes that God’s judgment is both just and merciful, reflecting His perfect wisdom (Summa Theologica, III, Q. 59).

The Church Fathers, such as Origen and Chrysostom, also offer insights into the parable. Origen interprets the field as the world, highlighting the universal scope of the Kingdom of Heaven and the presence of evil within it. Chrysostom focuses on the patience required of believers, encouraging them to remain faithful amidst the presence of evil (Origen, Commentary on Matthew; Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew).

Reflection

The Parable of the Weeds challenges us to reflect on the reality of good and evil in our world and our own lives. It calls us to be vigilant and to strive for righteousness, knowing that God’s final judgment will bring justice and reward.

Personal Reflection:

1. How do you perceive the coexistence of good and evil in your own life and community?
2. Are there areas in your life where you need to root out “weeds” of sin and cultivate “good seed”?
3. How can you actively work to cultivate good seed in your life and community?
4. What steps can you take to remain vigilant against the influences of evil?
5. How does the promise of eternal reward motivate you to persevere in faith and righteousness?

Practical Application:

1. Cultivate Virtue: Focus on personal spiritual growth, nurturing virtues such as patience, humility, and love. Engage in regular prayer, the sacraments, and acts of charity to strengthen your relationship with God.
2. Discernment and Patience: Practice discernment in identifying influences of good and evil around you. Exercise patience, trusting in God’s timing and ultimate plan for justice.
3. Community Support: Support others in their spiritual journey, offering encouragement and guidance. Foster a community where members can grow together in faith and righteousness.

Living the Parable

The Parable of the Weeds invites us to reflect on our spiritual lives and the world around us. We are called to live with the awareness of the final judgment, striving to be among the righteous who will shine in God’s Kingdom. Let us embrace the challenge to grow in holiness, support one another in faith, and trust in God’s justice and mercy.

As we meditate on this parable, may we be inspired to live with a renewed commitment to God’s Kingdom, anticipating the day when we will shine like the sun in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

A Call to Repentance, Mercy, and Righteousness

Today’s readings collectively call us to a deeper awareness of our sinfulness, the necessity of God’s mercy, and the ultimate reality of divine justice. Through the prophetic lament of Jeremiah, the communal plea for deliverance in the Psalm, and Jesus’ elucidation of the Parable of the Weeds, we are invited to engage in a profound spiritual reflection and transformation.

A Unified Message of Repentance and Trust

Jeremiah’s lament in the First Reading (Jeremiah 14:17-22) powerfully captures the anguish of a people facing the consequences of their sins. His heartfelt plea for God’s mercy, coupled with the acknowledgment of their iniquities, highlights the essential steps of repentance: recognition of sin, contrition, and the plea for divine forgiveness. This passage reminds us that true repentance is not just about feeling sorrow for our sins but actively turning back to God and seeking His compassion.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13) echoes this theme by emphasizing the communal nature of repentance. The psalmist’s plea for God to “let your compassion come speedily to meet us” and “forgive our sins” reinforces the idea that our prayers for mercy are deeply rooted in the recognition of our collective need for God’s grace. This communal lament serves as a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected in our journey towards holiness, and our prayers and actions have a communal impact.

Both Jeremiah and the psalmist appeal to God’s covenantal faithfulness and His unique ability to save. They remind us that in times of despair and suffering, our hope must rest firmly in God’s unwavering mercy. The Catechism teaches that God’s mercy is boundless and ever-ready to forgive those who turn to Him with a contrite heart (CCC 1846-1847).

Anticipating Divine Justice

The Gospel reading (Matthew 13:36-43) brings the themes of repentance and mercy into the context of eschatological hope. Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Weeds emphasizes the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the end of time. The final judgment, where the righteous will “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father,” serves as a powerful motivator for us to live lives of virtue and faithfulness.

The parable’s vivid imagery of the harvest and the separation of the weeds from the wheat underscores the inevitability of divine justice. It reassures us that while evil may seem prevalent now, God’s ultimate plan will prevail, and justice will be served. This eschatological perspective encourages us to remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, knowing that our efforts to live righteously will be rewarded.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on these readings, we are called to take concrete steps in our spiritual journey:

1. Daily Examination of Conscience: Regularly reflect on your actions and attitudes, acknowledging your sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.
2. Communal Prayer and Support: Engage in communal acts of repentance and support one another in the journey towards holiness. Participate in communal prayers, such as the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayer groups.
3. Cultivate Virtue: Focus on personal spiritual growth by nurturing virtues such as patience, humility, and love. Engage in regular prayer, the sacraments, and acts of charity to strengthen your relationship with God.
4. Trust in God’s Mercy and Justice: Hold fast to the hope that God’s mercy is ever-present and His justice will ultimately prevail. Let this hope inspire you to live a life of faith and righteousness.

Today’s readings remind us of the importance of repentance, the boundless mercy of God, and the reality of divine justice. They call us to a deeper awareness of our sinfulness and a more profound trust in God’s compassionate love. As we navigate our spiritual journey, let us be vigilant in rooting out sin, nurturing virtues, and supporting one another in faith.

Engage with Us!

We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. How do these readings resonate with you? What steps are you taking to align your life with God’s will?

Reflection Questions

1. Jeremiah 14:17-22: How can you acknowledge your sins and seek God’s mercy in your daily life?
2. Psalm 79:8-13: In what ways can you express gratitude for God’s compassion and deliverance?
3. Matthew 13:36-43: How do you strive to live as a “child of the kingdom”? What actions can you take to cultivate righteousness?

Let’s journey together in faith, seeking God’s mercy and striving for the Kingdom of Heaven. By engaging deeply with today’s readings, may we be inspired to live out the call to repentance, embrace God’s mercy, and look forward to the fulfillment of His divine justice.

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