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| St. John Cantius, Chicago, IL. Photo by Betty Parquette |
"The quality of Mercy is not strained":
Not by the imperfect priest as he submits himself In persona Christi
Not by the soul struggling in it's favorite sins
Not the woman struggling in her marriage
Not the man feeling incompetent
Not the prideful
Not the poor
Not you,
Not me.
Not the 1001 intrusive thoughts which inflict us at the most holy of moments.
"It droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven, upon the place beneath":
Onto the Altar
Consuming bread and wine
Transubstantiation
Becoming All to all
"It is twice blessed":
"Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation, for through Your goodness we have received the bread we offer You: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the Bread of Life."
"Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation, for through Your goodness we have received the wine we offer You: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our Spiritual Drink."
The mercy of God is not strained, diluted, or held in reserve by our sinfulness. It pours down, overflowing the altar, meeting us in our muck and mire, permeating our souls, enveloping us in pure Love. We are the imperfect, striving for The Perfect. He knows us to the marrow.
"Blessed by God forever."
"Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."
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