Introduction: Introduction: The word “miraculous” indicates something that we humans cannot do, and our minds cannot comprehend or even imagine. It is an attribute that identifies and reveals the very God, who creates that which has never been, as He once said: « Let there be light; and there was light » Gen 1:3, and who is able to bring to nothing that which is, according to Jesus’ telling: « Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away » Mt 24:35. It is this « miraculous power of God’s word » that the Gospel declares through, « What is impossible for mortals is possible for God » Lk 18:27 and also: « For God all things are possible » Mt 19:26b. Because of this incomprehensible greatness of God, the Lord tells us: « Because of this incomprehensible greatness of God, the Lord tells us: « My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts » Isa 55:8-9. It is the nature of God to do miracles, according to the name by which the Scriptures call Him: « For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named Wonderful Counselor [or Wonderful, Counselor], Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace » Isa 9:6. Thus, all of God’s works are « wonders [miracles] », and they are innumerable, as the Psalmist puts it: « O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures » Ps 104:24. But the most amazing, miraculous thing is God’s patience and mercy on us sinners so that He will not let us perish but that we may be saved, by forgiving our sins. Thus, it is written: « [The Lord] keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin » Ex 34:7. The forgiveness? « This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes”
Ps 118:23. Therefore, God’s mercy exhorts us to repent and be reconciled with God. To those who accept, Jesus says: « Take heart, my child; your sins are forgiven » Mt 9:2b, « For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost » Lk 19:10.
Monday, 21st: God’s mercy is wonderful.
« You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy » Mic 7:18b.
Reading 1: Ps 103:1-11. Reading 2: Mic 7:18-20. Preaching 1: optional. Preaching 2: Mic 7:18.
Introduction: Mercy is an attribute of God, as Nehemiah declared: « you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and
abounding in steadfast love, and you did not forsake them » Neh 9:17d. Therefore, He requires His people to be merciful and compassionate as He
is. Jesus said: »For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings » Hos 6:6.
Tuesday, 22nd: God’s mercy exhorts to repentance.
« […] God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance » Rom 2:4.
Reading 1: 2 Pet 3:1-10. Reading 2: Rom 2:1-10. Preaching 1: optional. Preaching 2: Rom 2:4.
Introduction: In response to His mercy, God waits for mankind to return to Him, as He called through the Apostle Paul: « While God has overlooked
the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent » Act 17:30. To all who sincerely heed this loving call, God is
still showing the wideness of His compassionate heart, as the psalmist wrote: « a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise » Ps 51:17b.
Wednesday, 23rd: God’s mercy forgives iniquities.
« Take heart, my child; your sins are forgiven » Mt 9:2b.
Reading 1: Isa 44:21-28. Reading 2: Mt 9:1-13. Preaching 1: optional. Preaching 2: Mt 9:1-2.
Introduction: Forgiveness is a very attribute of God’s heart. He says to sinners: « let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon » Isa 55:7. He further demonstrated this quality through his Son, Jesus Christ: « Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again » Jn 8:11b.
Thursday, 24th: God’s mercy, an act of His love for sinners.
« I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you » Jer 31:3.
Reading 1: Jn 8:1-11. Reading 2: Jer 31:1-6. Preaching 1: optional. Preaching 2: Jer 31:3.
Introduction: God loves all human beings He has created, no matter who they are. Here is how Mark accounts Jesus’ encounter with a rich man:
« Jesus, looking at him, loved him » Mk 10:21a. The Apostle Paul further emphasizes that it is God’s choice to love us sinful human beings and not
because of our worthiness: « God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us » Rom 5:8.
Friday, 25th: God’s mercy strengthens His people.
« My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness » 2 Cor 12:9a.
Reading 1: Jer 1:4-10. Reading 2: 2 Cor 12:7-10. Preaching 1: optional. Preaching 2: 2 Cor 12:9.
Introduction: God does not reject the people He has chosen and made a covenant with, and that is why He gives them promises to comfort and
edify them. He addressed His people Israel in these terms: « But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my
friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, « You are my servant, I have chosen you
and not cast you off » Isa 41:8-9. He does not give up but instead offers sacrifices for His people’s sake, as Jesus said to Simon Peter: « Simon,
Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you
have turned back, strengthen your brother » Lk 22:31-32.
Saturday, 26th: God’s mercy is life-giving.
« But God, who is rich in mercy, […], made us alive together with Christ » Eph 2:4-5a.
Reading 1: 1 Jn 5:10-12. Reading 2: Eph 2:1-9. Preaching 1: optional. Preaching 2: Eph 2:4-5.
Introduction: Only God’s mercy preserves His people’s existence and sustains them. In this regard, the prophet Isaiah said: « If the Lord of hosts
had not left us a few survivors, we would have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah » Isa 1:9. Here is what the prophet Ezekiel also says
concerning God’s goodness: « Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from
their ways and live » Ezech 33:11.
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