Rabbi Eliezer said,
"Perform repentance one day before you leave this world."
HaShem, our
merciful Father, overflows with goodness, compassion, and kindness for mankind;
and His "arms" are always open to receive us. In light of this, the Mishneh
teaches, "Perform repentance one day before you leave this world." Meaning, even
if a person lives his entire life in opposition to Torah values, he should not
despair of finding favor in the eyes of HaShem. Rather, he should know that
HaShem will not rebuff his sincere desire to return to Him.
If an
individual is moved to repent, HaShem will show him mercy, forgiveness, and
acceptance - regardless of his past misdeeds. What’s more, even if he does not
open his heart to repent till the very last moment of his life, nevertheless,
HaShem will compassionately accept him!
If HaShem shows mercy to a
person who lived his entire life in conflict of HaShem’s will, how much more
will HaShem show mercy to a person who did not intentionally breach HaShem’s
will and returns to HaShem, well before the last moment of his
life.
Yet, despite this great revelation of HaShem’s abundant mercy, an
inner voice attempts to dissuade us of our freedom to change and our wondrous
opportunity to redeem ourselves.
Our challenge is too detach from the
false claims of the negative impulse, and embrace the truth of the Holy Torah,
which reveals the infinite mercy of HaShem, Who patiently waits for us to
return. Even more, He waits for us our entire lifetime and on the day we open
our hearts to return to Him - He immediately accepts us, forgives us, cleanses
us, and loves us as if we had never strayed. [Based on the commentary of the
Chidah and the Rambam]
TODAY: Ask HaShem for forgiveness and feel the
joy of knowing that He will surround you with compassion and kindness
Important Numbers
