Because of his mercy

“But 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.” (Tt 3: 4-7)

We are created by God’s love, not by God’s reason, or His Divine will. Created by “the kindness and generous love of God,” consequentially, when we have sinned, He saves us ‘through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” not “because of any righteous deeds” we do but because of his mercy. Created by “generous love” and redeemed by merciful love, we spread the Good News about our identity: we are His beloved children. Blessed Pope Paul VI reminds us, “Married love particularly reveals its true nature and nobility when we realize that it takes its origin from God, who ‘is love,’ the Father ‘from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.’” (HV, 8) We are His children, beloved and always protected.

“In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (Gospel Acclamation)