St Peters RC Church Hamilton

“I will sing of mercy and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.” (Psalm 101 v 1) Mercy is undoubtedly, a gift from God. For our human tendency is for number 1, Maybe only or maybe sufficiently. But Jesus comes to set us free from selfishness. We need to let His Spirit address us, To assess where it is we go wrong. Then the Spirit can teach us How to be more selfless so as to make room, Much more room for mercy to flourish. The victory of the †offers us liberty, That freedom from sin to begin anew through Christ Jesus. “The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honourable and glorious and His righteousness endures forever.” (Psalm 111 v 2, 3) “He has made His wonderful works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.” (Psalm 111 v 4) Lord God, we praise You for Your faithfulness to justice, so evident by the † of love and mercy. Your character is merciful and You work for us in setting us free from all sinfulness, this is indeed mercy at work. Your gift to us is justice paid at the † of the Lord Jesus, that in dying in our place, we are no longer condemned for punishment. It was for freedom that Christ Jesus has set us free. Let us then heed the instruction: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be tangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5 v 1) This was the bondage that held us captive in satan’s service. But Your gift of love and compassion forgave us, thank You. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8 v 1) Thank You for mercifully setting us free from the law of sin, that we in our turn, learn how to be merciful to each other. May the Spirit inspire such loyalty, a kindly treatment of each other, a genuine concern for their wellbeing and satisfaction. To think that You gift us the very life of love Jesus offered all humanity, is a remarkable fact, dearest Father. “The works of Your hands are verity and justice; all Your precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever,” (based on Psalm 111 v 7) as Your mercy is constant. Everything You do for us is “… done in truth and uprightness. You have sent redemption to Your people…” (based on v 9) We can never thank You sufficiently for the gift of Jesus. Thank You for the mercy of Your covenant promises held fast for us. Thank You for the gift of Jesus who teaches us so much. “The fear of You LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do your commandments.” (based on v 10) Here too, mercy is at work. It must be that Your “Praise endures forever,” (v 10) as we have a Saviour Brother. Amen.