# Holy Tuesday – The God Who Pardons
*2017-04-11*

> Bill Young reflects on Holy Tuesday’s reading from Isaiah 55:7, exploring God’s abundant mercy and leading the community in prayer as we journey toward the Passion of Christ.

## Opening and Liturgical Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Holy Tuesday, the second day of Holy Week, and we turn to the theme “The God Who Pardons.” Our reading comes from Isaiah 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man turn from his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

## Reflection on God’s Mercy

In this passage we see how God continually offers pardon, not condemnation. He does not delight in our sin, but in our conversion. The prophet’s words remind us that the heart of the Father is love: He wants us to live in goodness and justice, opening us to the limitless horizons of His mercy. This is the same heart we encounter in the Sacrament of Confession, where we experience God’s forgiveness not because of our merit, but because of His boundless love.

## Prayer of the Day

Let us pray together.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Renew the faith of the earth. 

Lord God, pour out the gifts of your Holy Spirit upon the world. May the Spirit continue to work in the hearts of all who believe in Christ our Lord. Open our lips, O Lord, that we may proclaim your truth. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

As we move through Holy Week, let us remember that Christ’s Passion is the ultimate expression of God’s pardon. May we accept this mercy, turn away from sin, and walk with Christ toward the joy of the Resurrection.

*God’s abundant pardon invites us to conversion and hope, especially in the solemn days of Holy Week.*