Listen

Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your hearts, with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow; tear your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, very patient, full of faithful love, and ready to forgive.

Joel 2:12-13

Think

Do you ever get lost? My sense of direction is terrible, and I often confuse left and right. That has led me to get lost on more than one occasion, and I have even dreamed that I am so disoriented that I spend days without finding my way home. The prophet Joel repeats the word “return” twice to remind the people of the need to return to God. Here, this word implies a profound change; it is another way of speaking of repentance. This repentance must not only be in words, but sincere, accompanied by signs of devotion and surrender to God, such as fasting and lamentation, signs that the people truly recognize their error and desire to correct their course.

Throughout life, we will lose ourselves many times, both physically and spiritually. However, the most beautiful thing is to know that no matter how far we have strayed, God awaits us with compassion and forgiveness, ready to restore our relationship, again and again.

Marissa Galván-Valle

Question to Ponder:

What signs have helped you find your way back to God?

Pray

Lord, forgive me for all the times I stray from you. Help me to find the way, to seek you with sincerity. Thank you that your love and mercy never fail. Renew my spirit, and teach me to walk in your truth. Amen.

Go

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

God’s forgiveness fills us with peace.

When you go out, share that peace with others.