Jesus' mercy for people never faltered for a moment, despite all the ingratitude, difficulties and hatred He encountered. His love for us, humans, is so great because He is concerned above all for our spiritual being; at the same time, it knows no bounds and extends to all mankind. He is the Good Shepherd of our souls, who knows us all and calls each one by our name, and leaves none abandoned on the mountainside. He has given His life for each man and woman. When anyone strays, Christ's immediate reaction is to do all He can to help him or her return, and we can visualize Him watching daily to catch a glimpse of it in the distance. Whenever someone offends Him grievously, He tries to draw him to His merciful Heart. He doesn't break the bruised reed, He doesn't finally snap it off and throw it away. Instead He mends it very carefully, giving it all the attention it needs.

It is very good for our spirituality to see ourselves, in Our Lord's sight, like a "bruised reed" which needs a lot of care ...... We should never lose hope as long as we realize that we are weak, full of defects and dirt. Our Lord never, never leaves us; we just need to use the means and not reject the hand that He offers us.