Hi everyone,

As sinners, we wonder if God will continue to forgive us for committing the same sins over and over. We know we are saved by God's grace, but then we must strive to become holy as the Father is holy. That means a constant daily battle to do the Father's will. 

Like Paul, we may have a thorn in our side that keeps tripping us up frequently. But Jesus told Peter that we must forgive others 70 x 7 times, i.e., as often as one asks for forgiveness. So will God forgive us as often as we ask? The answer demands two actions from us: we must sincerely try to avoid committing that sin again in the future; we must be willing to forgive those who repeatedly offend us. After all, if we make no effort to avoid committing the same sin over and over, then it is doubtful that we are truly repentant. And if we can not forgive others, how can we expect God to forgive us?

Sunday's readings shed some light on God's mercy. The first reading sets out the goal for each of us.

"The first man, being earthly, was of the earth; the second man, being heavenly, will be of heaven. Such things as are like the earth are earthly; and such things as are like the heavens are heavenly. And so, just as we have carried the image of what is earthly, let us also carry the image of what is heavenly." 1 COR 15:47-49

Paul is telling us that although we are earthly creatures, God expects us to become more and more holy like the saints in heaven. 

The second reading shows man's mercy in action. 

David said: “Behold, the king’s spear. Let one of the servants of the king cross over and take it. And the Lord will repay each one according to his justice and faith. For the Lord has delivered you this day into my hand, but I was not willing to extend my hand against the anointed of the Lord (my translation). 1 SM 26:23-24

David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he showed mercy instead. 

The third reading expounds upon the greatness of God's mercy.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses.
He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities.
He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us.
As a father is compassionate to his sons, so has the Lord been compassionate to those who revere (my translation) him. PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

"to those who revere (fear) him." That is the key. We must do our best to control ourselves. We may fail despite our best efforts, but God knows that we are earthly creatures and prone to sin as long as we are here on earth. Like our earthly father, our heavenly Father knows how weak we are and is more than willing to overlook our frailties as long as we try to do the right thing. So let us do our best and let God do the rest!

God bless!