The reading from the Wisdom of Solomon (12:13,16-19) reveals the nature of our God as the one true and sovereign Lord who cares for all creation. In these verses, we are given deeper insight into the attributes of God that should shape our understanding of His divine character and our response to Him. The passage begins by declaring, “For neither is there any god besides you.” The Lord alone is the supreme authority over all things, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is not distant or indifferent, but actively involved in the affairs of His creation. Unlike the false gods of the world, who are powerless and lifeless, our God is the living and loving Lord who tends to every aspect of existence with perfect wisdom and justice.
The passage also assures us of the righteousness of God’s judgment. We find comfort in the fact that God, who knows all things, never condemns unjustly. His justice is not like the flawed and imperfect justice of men, which is often tainted by prejudice, error, or selfish motives. Rather, God’s justice is pure, unerring, and deeply rooted in His infinite wisdom. He sees the depths of our hearts, understanding our struggles, weaknesses, and desires. His judgments are never arbitrary or cruel but are always measured with fairness and compassion.
We see here the inseparable link between God’s might and His justice. The world often perceives strength as domination, as the ability to overpower and control. But God’s strength is not a mere demonstration of force; it is the perfection of divine justice. His dominion over all things does not lead to tyranny but to mercy and righteousness. As we read in the passage, “Your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all.” God’s power enables Him to be patient and merciful. He does not crush the sinner but gives every opportunity for repentance. This is the great paradox of divine strength-it is manifested not in destruction, but in patience and love.
God’s leniency is not a sign of weakness, as the world might assume, but a testament to His divine mercy. In His forbearance, He does not immediately punish those who stray, but gently calls them to repentance. This is the pattern we see throughout the history of salvation. From Adam and Eve, to the Israelites in the wilderness, to the sinners whom Christ Himself encountered during His earthly ministry, God continually extends His mercy, desiring not the death of a sinner but that he should turn back and live (Ezekiel 18:23). The passage also teaches us that when people reject God’s power, He reveals His might in ways that confound unbelievers. Just as Pharaoh refused to recognise God’s authority and was ultimately humbled, so too will those who resist God’s will be confronted by His power. To those who trust in Him, however, His might is not a cause for fear but for reverence and awe. The saints do not tremble at God’s strength but rejoice in it, knowing that His power is their refuge and protection.
Despite His supreme authority, God’s judgment is tempered with clemency. He, who has the ultimate power to judge, chooses to exercise His authority with gentleness and understanding. Unlike human rulers who may impose their authority with severity, God governs us as a loving Father, guiding rather than crushing, correcting rather than condemning. This is most beautifully revealed in Christ, who, though being the Judge of all, came into the world not to condemn it but to save it (John 3:17). In His earthly life, Christ exhibited this divine justice mingled with mercy. He dined with sinners, forgave the adulterous woman, healed the sick, and called even the most hardened hearts to repentance.
Through these verses, we are given wisdom to apply in our own lives. God teaches us that true justice must be inseparable from kindness. Those who seek to live justly must also demonstrate compassion, especially towards those who are weak, lost, or in need of mercy. Too often, we are quick to judge others harshly while expecting leniency for ourselves. Yet God calls us to imitate Him, to be merciful as He is merciful (Luke 6:36). This applies not only to our personal interactions but also to our broader approach to justice in society, within our communities, and even within the Church. Justice without mercy leads to cruelty, while mercy without justice leads to permissiveness. God, in His perfection, balances both.
Brethren, this passage gives us a great assurance of hope. God offers us the possibility of repentance, promising forgiveness and redemption to those who turn to Him. No sin is too great for His mercy, no soul too lost for His love. This should inspire us to approach Him with confidence, seeking His forgiveness with sincere hearts. The sacraments of the Church, especially Holy Confession and the Eucharist, are the channels through which we experience this divine mercy firsthand. When we confess our sins, we do not stand before a ruthless judge but before a loving Father who welcomes us back with open arms. And when we partake of the Holy Mysteries, we are united to Christ, receiving the strength to walk in His ways.
We are called to imitate the divine attributes of God. We must embrace justice, tempered with kindness, and show mercy and compassion to those around us. Just as God is patient with us, we must be patient with others. Just as He forgives, we must also forgive. In doing so, we become true children of our Heavenly Father, reflecting His love and righteousness in the world.
May each of us cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance, trusting in God’s generous invitation to turn away from sin and embrace His forgiveness. Let us live as a testimony to God’s love, reflecting His justice, kindness, and mercy in all that we do. And may we, in our own small ways, become vessels of His grace, bringing light and hope to a world so desperately in need of His presence.
May God bless you +
Fr. Charles
23 July 2023
