24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“I have been mercifully treated.”  I am often asked by family and friends, “what happened to you?” I smile and take no offense at the question. It’s true. I am different. I have changed. There is something so radically different about me. I am not the person they know or remember me to be. Actually, I am finally myself, the person I was called and created to be.  Deep down inside, I understand the origin of the question and what is being asked of me. In general, people want to know what happened to me. They want to know when and how did I come to know the love of God. When did I know that God was calling me? How did I hear and recognize God’s voice? How did I come to love and trust God? In my response, I share that I have come to know and love God personally and intimately since the time that I better understood his profound love and his divine mercy. It wasn’t always the case. It’s the fruit and grace born from what I consider to be my first good, open, honest, and true confession. Everything was poured out, surrendered and shared. To that point in my life, I never knew nor experienced how profound God’s love was for me and all humanity. I never understood the magnitude of God’s mercy. It’s endless, unfathomable, ever so patient, rich in kindness, unconditionally loving and forever forgiving. Truly, I believe God has forgiven me. He reconciled me to himself. He has truly forgiven me. I have been mercifully treated. God has helped me to receive his forgiveness. God has helped me to forgive others. God has helped me to forgive myself and now I am truly free to be loved by God and to be loving to God, my family, my friends and everyone else. I did not really understand God, his love or his mercy.  I did not really know God because my love was selfish, self serving, conditional and not contrite. My prayer life was the same. I only went and talked to God when I needed him or wanted something or the thought of a certain outcome concerned me or I was afraid of the possibility of failure, embarrassment, or hurt. My love and prayer did not come from the heart. But I have been so mercifully treated. God has given me a second, third and fourth chance. In and through mercy, I have been loved and forgiven and now I never want to sin again.

 

Reflections from the Heart – Easter Sunday

Reflections from the Heart - Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” We were created out ...

Reflections from the Heart – Palm Sunday – March 28, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat ...

Reflections from the Heart – March 21, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - March 21, 2021
Fifth Sunday in Lent “I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts.”  Our hearts are ...

Reflections from the Heart – March 14, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - March 14, 2021
Fourth Sunday in Lent “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who ...

Reflections from the Heart – March 7, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - March 7, 2021
Third Sunday in Lent “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” O ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 28, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 28, 2021
Second Sunday in Lent “Jesus led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.” A retreat is a wonderful opportunity ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 21, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 21, 2021
First Sunday in Lent “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning.” I ponder these ...

Ash Wednesday Reflection – February 17, 2021

Ash Wednesday Reflection - February 17, 2021
Ash Wednesday  “What are you giving up for Lent?” We often hear this familiar question this time of year and ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 14, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 14, 2021
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the ...

Reflections from the Heart – February 7, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - February 7, 2021
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time “Job spoke, saying: My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle; they come to an ...

Reflections from the Heart – January 31, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - January 31, 2021
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time “Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties.” Do you know ...

Reflections from the Heart – January 24, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - January 24, 2021
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time “Teach me your ways, O Lord.” Are you teachable or have you learned all you ...