The primary work of mercy is the forgiveness of sin. God compassionately bends down to me, the sheep that has gone astray–after many days or years of searching for me impatiently–and bears me up on his shoulders. He runs out to meet me, the prodigal son returned home, and falls upon my neck, kissing me, and bringing out the best robe, putting a ring on my finger, and sandals on my feet…
I know that your heart yearns, little one, to create something beautiful, a testament of love, a reflection, in the dimness of this world, of the radiant beauty of my own eternal light. I know the longing within to give birth without, the desire to create, sharing in eternal creativity. I want you to know, beloved, and to feel that the greatest masterpiece which I desire for you is the unspeakable beauty which is you yourself. You, the one whom I infinitely love, are the icon, transparent to my shining glory, enfolded in my grace, a blaze of fiery light bursting through the eyes, a figure whose countenance, whose heart, whose life is a reflection of the life, the heart, the face which is my own.