Inescapable justice, infinite mercy

The readings for Mass, each following their separate paths through their respective books, come together on this day at the juxtaposition of two wondrous aspects of God: God’s inescapable justice and God’s infinite mercy.

The first reading (Hebrews 4:12-16) reminds us clearly that no matter what evasions or pretense we can muster, God sees through everything and will hold us inescapably to account.

The word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit,
joints and marrow,
and able to discern
reflections and thoughts of the heart.

No creature is concealed from him,
but everything is naked and exposed
to the eyes of him
to whom we must render an account.

But immediately we are also reminded of God’s infinite mercy that comes through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Since we have a great high priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy
and to find grace for timely help.

And our Lord Himself, in today’s Gospel (Mark 2:13-17) exemplifies this: seeing clearly the sinfulness of men, but mercifully calling them to discipleship.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.