4 March 2020
Memorial of St. Casimir
The reference to Nineveh in both readings of today’s Mass reminds me that God’s invitation to forgive sin is universal, given to each person, irrespective of a designated religious belief.
So, today when distractions take over, I’ll remind Jesus that, since some of his ancestors were not among the chosen people – Ruth, Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho, – could he not give special grace of forgiveness today to people who have never heard of him or his Gospel?
Also, since the wisdom of Solomon attracted the attention of the Queen of the South, I shall remind him he is the Word of God, that is, he is Wisdom Incarnate. So, will he not raise up apostles today to preach his wisdom, culminated in the Resurrection?
I’ll remind him that contemporary Ninevites and Queens of the South may not be aware of it, but they crave the wisdom and the forgiveness that only He can give. Today is the feast of St. Casimir. I’ll remind the Lord he gave him a special grace to identify with the needy, the forgotten, the “spiritually deplorables” of his day.
So, Lord, I’ll conclude: How about pouring out that same grace today on those who preach your Gospel by their words and actions, so that they may make known the universality of your forgiveness?