| Tuesday, April 08, 2003 Lenten Weekday |
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The following is, as usual, from The Word Among Us:
Sin leads to death. This is a reality, a plain and simple fact that no one can change. Like a law of nature, it can't be disregarded, no matter how much we would like to hear otherwise. Sin leads us away from God, the very source of life.
But as relentless as the reality of sin is, it is equally true that Jesus came to save us from sin and death. As he told his followers, "You will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he" (John 8:24). Jesus' invitation never changes. He is always inviting us to repent of our sins and believe in him. Before we can repent, however, we must face up to our sins, and this can be quite difficult. "I live a good life," we tell ourselves, somehow forgetting patterns of sin and disobedience that bring disorder to our lives and relationships. Or, we might try to shirk responsibility by shifting the blame: "If only so-and-so weren't so difficult to live with." When a particular teaching from Scripture seems hard to follow, we might rationalize it away, saying, "I don't think that's really a sin anymore." When we consider struggles with temptation that seem impossible to overcome, we may think, "I'm too weak. What's the use?"
And so we fall into traps of denial, rationalization, and discouragement—all of which prevent us from being honest with ourselves and with God. In the meantime, sin remains, a powerful force leading us away from the very one who can heal and save us.
But a more powerful force leads us to our heavenly Father than any force that might draw us away: Jesus Christ. All he asks is that we invite him in and allow him to do his work in us! In prayer today, turn to Jesus and ask him to give you the courage to face your sins head on. Take advantage of the grace that is available in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Only Jesus can deliver you from the sins that seem to cling so stubbornly. Place your faith in him. His blood can make you clean.
"Jesus, I believe in you. I repent of all the ways that I have hurt you and those around me. Wipe away my sins and fill me with your love. Only you can deliver me."
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God bless.
AC
