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“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.” These words taken from today’s psalm are a reminder of the infinite mercy of God. Mercy begins with God, but does not belong to God alone. Since God has been merciful to us, we too, have a share in his infinite mercy, and are therefore capable of extending mercy to one another. What does it mean to be merciful?…

Today, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of admonishing the sinner. Those who remember their eighth grade catechism will remember the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Among the Spiritual Works is the imperative to admonish the sinner. What does it mean to admonish? To admonish someone is to counsel them against something to be avoided or warn against something that is dangerous. So, let us take a deeper look at this important spiritual work of mercy.

Last week, I spoke of the authority Jesus gives to St. Peter to bind and loose sins. This week, Jesus tells his disciples he will be killed in Jerusalem and Peter takes Jesus aside to rebuke him. Immediately after Jesus entrusts Peter with the keys to heaven and earth, Peter does what many in authority are tempted to do, they try and wield that authority over others, even the Son of God. Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me." Jesus shows the true nature of…