"God acts mercifully, not indeed by going against His justice, but by doing something more than justice." St. Thomas Aquinas

If God would treat us according to his justice, none of us would see his face. We are sinners and in justice deserve alienation from God. But thanks be to God for his infinite mercy. While we deserve justice, mercy is a pure gift of God's love. His mercy is endless and poured forth  upon us every time we sin and repent. Out of mercy, God holds back his justice. But we can never presume on his mercy. That would be presumption. Instead, we must learn how to accept his mercy in gratitude and to respond to this gift by remaining one with him. So that, when we die in him, we may be able to live with him eternally. Lord, spare us from your justice. Shield us with your mercy and love.