God showed mercy to our weakness; Angels: Day 108

Last updated on: November 6, 2016 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

God showed mercy to our weakness; Angels: Day 108 2016-10-30T09:24:15-05:00 Pete Socks

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If fallen humanity deserved mercy, why not the fallen angels? One reason, says St. Gregory the Great, is our very weakness. Satan had the moral strength of a pure spirit, but we constantly struggle with the weakness of the body.

God was able to create good things out of nothing. Likewise, when he willed it, he also restored, by the mystery of his Incarnation, the good things that were lost.

Now, he had made two creations to contemplate him: the angelic and the human. But pride struck down both of them, and dashed them from their upright position of original righteousness. But one was clothed in flesh, and the other had not weakness that comes from the flesh: an angelic being is only spirit, but a human is both spirit and flesh.

Thus, when the Creator had compassion to bring about redemption, it was appropriate that he should bring back to him that creature which, when it sinned, plainly had some weakness. It was also appropriate that the fallen angel should be driven down deeper, since, when he fell from firmness in standing upright, he was not supporting any weakness from the flesh.

Thus the psalmist, speaking of the Redeemer’s compassion on humanity, at the same time rightly set forth the very cause of his mercy: “He remembered that they were but flesh.” In other words, because he saw their weaknesses, he would not punish their offenses severely. –St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job, 4.8

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Unlike the angels, we mortals have to deal with the weakness of the flesh and its appetites. Do I try to take into account the weakness of others around me the way God takes my weakness into account?

CLOSING PRAYER

Through your grace, Lord, make my frail nature worthy to sanctify your name with the heavenly beings.

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Saint Gregory the Great

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We don't deserve God's mercy; Angels: Day 107

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