he loves the unlovable
"As He moved on He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus, at his tax collector's post, and said to him, 'Follow Me.' Levi got up and became His follower." —Mark 2:14
Although it was a serious sin for a Jew to be a tax collector, Levi chose to be one. Jesus called Levi out of his sinful job and into being an apostle and missionary. If we repent, we can follow Jesus' call even if we are damaged goods, for Jesus comes not for the healthy but for the sick, not for the righteous but for sinners (Mk 2:17). Jesus is a merciful High Priest Who will "sympathize with our weakness" (Heb 2:17; 4:15). He did not come to condemn but to save (Jn 3:17). Even if everyone else rejects us, Jesus will never reject us (Jn 6:37).
There is hope for the human race because of Jesus' mercy — and only because of His mercy. No matter how low we've been, Jesus will take us to heights where we alone could never go. Jesus loves the unlovable. Trust in Jesus. "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need" (Heb 4:16).
Prayer: Father, give mercy to me and through me.
Promise: "Indeed, God's Word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart." —Heb 4:12
Praise: Julia did not receive love from her family, but she did find love in Jesus' family and in joining a home based community.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Divine Love, order, listen to, or download our CD 52-3 or DVD 52 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 16, 2018
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