The greatest gift of God is surely His mercy. I love the stories of salvation we read in the Gospels which illustrate the process or journey from misery to joy, from the depths of depravity to a clean slate, from betrayal to loyalty.
Like with prodigal son where it says ‘when he came to his senses...’ (Luke 15:11-32) barely a word of his well-rehearsed confession spoken and he was lifted up again. Or the sinful woman who “stood behind Him at His feet weeping and began to bathe His feet with her tears.” Not a word spoken at all, just an abundance of tears. (Luke 7:38).
St Peter followed suit when Christ looked at him as the cock crew and “he went out and began to weep bitterly” (Luke 22:62). And this is the formula: sorrow for sins, tears of repentance which welcome forgiveness and a new (changed) life.
It works. I believe each person has this opportunity to grasp that moment of grace, initiated as it is by the Lord Himself. Often, as in the biblical examples it is preceded by sin, self destruction and hitting the bottom. There are many tear- stained prison cell floors; cries in the shooting galleries of drug users and everywhere else where there is pain, suffering and bondage. And beautiful life-giving conversions take place.
Ala ...
