Mar
10
2009
By Anonymous (not verified)
Readings: Is 1:10, 16-20; Mt 23:1-12
Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow. Is 1:18
These words from the prophet Isaiah are cause for tremendous hope and thanksgiving. No matter what our present circumstance, our Lord is clearly letting us know that we can set things right by putting away our misdeeds and turning to Him with repentant hearts.
When children play outside in the summertime, they often return home with skinned knees and dirty hands. Before supper is served, they are instructed to clean themselves up. After all, we wouldn't want them to eat with dirty hands. Similarly, as adults, our souls can become dirty when we sin. How many times do we use our tongues to gossip, say hurtful things, or maybe even lie or swear - and then receive Jesus on those very tongues? Our Father in heaven is constantly calling us to "wash yourselves clean!" (Is 1:16).
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the opportunity to receive the cleansing waters of forgiveness, the very Fountain of Mercy. Jesus told St. Faustina, "... let [all mankind] have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them" (Diary of St. Faustina, 848). When we approach our merciful God with a humble and contrite heart in the confessional, our sins that are "like scarlet ... may become white as snow" (Is 1:18). God's forgiveness is more powerful than the greatest of sins.
Is it time for confession? As you prayerfully reflect on this first reading, ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your conscience. Don't delay in running to our merciful Lord to receive His forgiveness and healing in this wonderful Sacrament.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being so merciful! Help me to be childlike. May I eagerly approach You in the Sacrament of Reconciliation when I need Your cleansing forgiveness. Amen.
Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow. Is 1:18
These words from the prophet Isaiah are cause for tremendous hope and thanksgiving. No matter what our present circumstance, our Lord is clearly letting us know that we can set things right by putting away our misdeeds and turning to Him with repentant hearts.
When children play outside in the summertime, they often return home with skinned knees and dirty hands. Before supper is served, they are instructed to clean themselves up. After all, we wouldn't want them to eat with dirty hands. Similarly, as adults, our souls can become dirty when we sin. How many times do we use our tongues to gossip, say hurtful things, or maybe even lie or swear - and then receive Jesus on those very tongues? Our Father in heaven is constantly calling us to "wash yourselves clean!" (Is 1:16).
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the opportunity to receive the cleansing waters of forgiveness, the very Fountain of Mercy. Jesus told St. Faustina, "... let [all mankind] have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them" (Diary of St. Faustina, 848). When we approach our merciful God with a humble and contrite heart in the confessional, our sins that are "like scarlet ... may become white as snow" (Is 1:18). God's forgiveness is more powerful than the greatest of sins.
Is it time for confession? As you prayerfully reflect on this first reading, ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your conscience. Don't delay in running to our merciful Lord to receive His forgiveness and healing in this wonderful Sacrament.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being so merciful! Help me to be childlike. May I eagerly approach You in the Sacrament of Reconciliation when I need Your cleansing forgiveness. Amen.
mmwj