Christian Life: A Miracle of God’s Mercy
My God, my life is a continuous miracle of your divine mercy, and the greatest miracle is precisely that by which … you work in me, transforming me … perfectly in yourself … as though I had never placed an impediment in your way. (OOCC, X, p. 230; STA, 543)
In his infinite mercy and love, God wished to enter into a genuine relationship of love and friendship with the human person. Thus originated the Christian life in a person. It came about not because he deserved it, but because God wanted it. Hence, Christian life began with God’s initiative. St. Vincent Pallotti considered his life as a Christian a miracle of God’s mercy for the following reasons. First, though undeserving, God invited St. Vincent to belong to him at his own initiative because he loved him. Second, God sustained this relationship even though there were times of unfaithfulness on the part of St. Vincent. Third, God worked in and through St. Vincent both in his own personal life and in the mission with which he had been entrusted. Fourth, God transformed St. Vincent and made him a perfect image of himself. Finally, God does all these things with St. Vincent as if he had never placed any impediment against the accomplishment of God’s plan for him, even though the reality was the opposite. Hence, for Vincent Pallotti, his life as a Christian was a miracle of God’s mercy. Recognizing his life as a merciful gift from God, St. Vincent spent it generously for God’s glory and the happiness of others.
Do I acknowledge that my life as a Christian is a gift from God? Do I recognize that it is given to me even though I do not deserve it? Do I make an honest effort to grow in this life, or place impediments due to my weaknesses? In which way I express my gratitude to God, for the gift of my Christian life?
Your compassion is great, O Lord; according to your edicts give me life … See how I love your precepts, Lord; in your kindness give me life. (Ps. 119: 156, 159).