Repentance and Mercy

3rd Sunday of Lent Jesus is serious in today's Gospel: "But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"  When we sin, we choose 'Not-God', and we get exactly what we want - 'Not-God' - that's the definition of hell.  Jesus came to save us from this choice, so He calls us to repentance - to take full responsibility for our mistakes and to beg for God's forgiveness, to turn away from sin and turn toward God.  Then Jesus can finally do what He's been waiting to do - He can take away our sins and fill us with His life!  Then we know, by experience, the mercy of the Father.