A WORD FROM FR JAYBEE

God’s Immense Love, Mercy and Forgiveness Greetings of peace brothers and sisters... The song ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree’ was released and known to the whole world in 1973. In the same year, it topped the charts as the number one hit song in a few countries including Australia. It was an extraordinary fame that the writer and singers got through this song. Many people say that this song is still included in the world’s top fifty songs based on the recent survey. Moreover, in our present time still so many people love to sing and dance with this song in gatherings and parties. This song portrayed someone who has been away from home for quite some time but wondered if he is still welcome to come home. He wrote to his loved one to tie a yellow ribbon around the "ole oak tree" in front of the house if she wanted him back in her life. If he didn’t see a yellow ribbon, that would mean he was not welcome, and he would remain on the bus. But to his surprise the whole bus cheers, for they saw a hundred yellow ribbons tied around the tree, a sign that he was very much welcome to the house and to her heart. Many people around the world were touched by the message and the significant characteristics in the song: deep love, kindness and forgiveness. It is innate to rejoice when we hear stories of love, kindness, peace and reconciliation. Many people can easily relate to the story in the song, for we ourselves have experienced the same. For five weeks now, we have rejoiced in the Easter celebration. We still sing ‘alleluia, rejoice and be glad for the Lord has risen’ despite of the difficulties and challenges we have had due to the Covid pandemic. The celebration of Easter is a manifestation of our joy as God shows his immense love, mercy and forgiveness. Through the story of the Incarnation, we have come to know God’s love and kindness toward us. The gospel of John states, ‘for God so loved the world that he gave his only son’. God is so gracious and merciful to us. Saint Paul in his letter to the Ephesians says, ‘just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. A sacrifice of love offered in remission of our sin’. Pope Francis says, ‘God forgives sin for he is the Father of mercy and tenderness. He always awaits for the return of his prodigal child/children. He welcomes with a loving embrace for those who truthfully acknowledge their sinfulness and heartily ask for forgiveness’. God bless us all...