The commandments of God, Deuteronomy says, are not impossible and inaccessible laws humans have little chance to keep. No: God has given God’s human creatures the wisdom to understand divine commandments and the strength to follow them.

“Be merciful, as god is merciful.” A brave idea, but who can do it? As pastoral people, we face a great temptation—especially in matters of moral complexity or emotional intensity—to forget that we have a mandate to be compassionate.

I couldn’t believe these were my neighbors, ganging up on a friend of mine, publicly dragging her through the mud. Literally slandering her on social media. She had even gotten threats. They were behaving out of pure vindictiveness. 

What would you think if it was your wedding day, or your daughter’s wedding day, and you were at the church and the priest who was going to conduct the ceremony called to tell you that he was going to be late?

With faith in God's kindness, we turn to the Lord.

In every moment of genuine love, we are dwelling in God and God is dwelling in us.