| 2008 Jul 22 Tue: Mary Magdalene Mi 7:14-15.18-20/Ps 84(85)/Jn 20:1-2.11-18 Micah's Final Word On the whole, Micah certainly could be considered the typical "gloom and doom" prophet - he takes pains to prove to the people the painful reality of their many sins, and he's quite explicit about the tragic consequences that will inevitably follow as a result of the widespread iniquity. But, Micah's message also calls to mind the mercy of God, especially in the closing verses of the final chapter (today's first reading). The cool relief of these words is best experienced in contrast to the blistering heated passages which precede them (almost the entire rest of the book). Don't be afraid to read the whole work - we can take a cue from this passionate prophet Micah, who does not shirk from confronting the bitter reality of sin, but he clearly is not at all defeatist toward it, realizing that ultimately, sin does not have the final word, for "Who is there like You, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of His inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, And will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt? You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins!" | 
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