Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604)
Pope, Doctor of the Church
Exposition on the seven penitential psalms (PL 79, 581)
“When he saw him he was seized with pity”
O Lord Jesus, stirred by pity may you have the goodness to draw near me. Going down from Jerusalem to Jericho you fall from the heights to our own lowest depths, from a state where people are full of life to a land of the sick. Look, I have fallen into the hands of the angels of darkness who have not only stripped off my garment of grace but, having beaten me with their blows, have left me half dead. May you treat the wounds of my sins when you have given me hope of recovering my health, lest they should triumph if I ever lose hope of healing. May you anoint me with the oil of your forgiveness and pour over me the wine of contrition. If you set me on your own mount it is then that you “raise up the needy of the earth”, that you “lift the poor from the ash-heap” (Ps 112[113]:7).
For you are the one who bore our sins, the one who paid a debt for us that you yourself did not contract. If you have led me into the inn of your Church, it is there that you would feed me with the food of your Body and Blood. If you were taking care of me then I should no longer disobey your commands, I should no longer draw down on myself the fury of raging beasts. For I have great need of your care so long as I bear this flesh subject to sin. Hear me then, I who am the Samaritan stripped and wounded, weeping and groaning, calling you and crying with David: “Have mercy on me , God, according to your merciful love!” (Ps 50[51]:3).
Daily Marriage Tip for October 8, 2018:
Do you know the names of the people on your street? Who is home when? The more you know your neighbors, the better they can be extra eyes, ears, and a helpful hand to your children. Be those eyes for your neighbors’ children too.