receive us as your own

“If I find favor with you, O LORD, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.” (EX 34: 9) 

Our Lord fully understands all “our wickedness and sins”; He knows that we are “indeed a stiff-necked people,” but He is with us, coming “along in our company,” because He loves us and “receive[s] us as His own.” His love protects us, and His presence makes us brave. We are His and He is ours. 

“The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; All who come to him will live for ever.” (Gospel Acclamation)