Because of His mercy

“Beloved: When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.” (TL 3: 4-7)

“Not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy” reminds us today of God’s Wordin the history of our salvation. At the beginning was Adam and Eva, the first couple, now Joseph and Mary, chosen to receive the true appearance of “the kindness and generous love of God our savior”—Jesus Christ, “our savior” and Redeemer. God’s merciful love came first to the Family and to the poor and spread to the whole world. “But whereas Adam and Eve were the source of evil which was unleashed on the world, Joseph and Mary are the summit from which holiness spreads all over the earth. The Savior began the work of salvation by this virginal and holy union, wherein is manifested his all-powerful will to purify and sanctify the family – that sanctuary of love and cradle of life.” (Redemptoris custos, 7)

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Gospel Acclamation)