Once a month the clergy of our parish meet for Morning Prayer followed by a light breakfast to discuss what is happening in the Church, our parish and in our lives. Several weeks ago the topic landed on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the feedback clergy hear from those who take advantage of this sacred rite. The consensus was that though the laity initially accepts their forgiveness by God through the priest, they linger with the thought that it may be more of a pacifier for what is happening. The belief being that God still holds it in His heart when it comes to making decisions about our life and afterlife.
The premise of what was discussed was interesting, but I had my doubts since I adopted the belief that God’s forgiveness in the confessional is sacred and true. We are forgiven for our sins and God puts them behind. Even if we should repeat them, if we are truly repentant and remorseful, God forgives and forgets. If I thought otherwise, why would I even go to Confession? It would be better to avoid it so as not to add to my pile of wrongdoings to make it even worse when I am called to my Maker.
In a conversation with a parishioner during a drive to an event, he voiced that he often has doubts about being truly forgiven by God. He accepts the forgiveness from God through the priest and says or does his penance. But he believes as a human he is not good enough to receive God’s full forgiveness, love and mercy. He still looks at himself primarily as a sinner as opposed to one who is fully loved and forgiven by his creator, God.
From my perspective, I reminded him of all the good things he does in his life with the gifts God has given him. He and his wife have often become foster parents and grandparents to parish families who are separated from their family for various reasons. In addition, he is a very generous man. He is always offering to help others whether they are in need or because he sees a way to help them to be better even if they do not recognize it themselves. He appreciated my take on his predicament, but I don’t know if I was able to convince him of how much He is loved by God for who he is and what he does.
Our readings and Gospel for this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on sin and forgiveness, not only of people in general but of ourselves as well. In the first reading from Exodus, Moses reminds God of how much He loves His chosen people, the Hebrews, and why it is important to forgive them for their sinful behavior. In St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy, he shares his story of how he lost his focus on God’s holiness in his life by trying to destroy all those who accepted Christ into their lives. Christ’s calling to him on the road to Damascus and his three days of reviewing what he was doing to destroy God’s plan for man, gave him the courage to ask forgiveness and by doing so he is known as the disciple of the Gentiles.
Of course, as per usual, it is Jesus’ three parables in St. Luke’s Gospel that clarifies the unconditional love God has for all He has created along with joy shared by all for recognizing it. The shepherd finds a lost sheep indicating God’s mercy and a woman a lost coin illustrating how valuable we are to God. Both invite those they know to share their joy about finding what they thought might be lost forever. The third parable is most likely the greatest story of God’s love ever told by Jesus: The Prodigal Son.
The father in the story represents God the Father who is always there for us. No matter what the situation, he is there to pick up the pieces, or in this case acknowledge life changes with supportive love of the situations for his two sons representing us. The youngest son is typical of those who want to live a life of wealth, power and fame that will bring them happiness for whatever they believe will satisfy their wants and needs because they deserve it. The oldest son feels unappreciated for who he is and what he does so he rejects his brother and father, denying what actually offers truth about life which includes unconditional love.
The crux of the Gospel and readings is that God, who is all-loving and all-forgiving, will go to any length to bring a sinner back to a loving relationship with Himself. We need to show God we are sincere in wanting this by taking action to be both remorseful and repentant rather than separate ourselves from being one with God because we believe we know better.
Let us take this week to look deeply into the areas we are
disappointing God by our sinfulness; whether by commission or omission. What changes can we make, no matter how
small, that will eliminate a negative thought, word or action separating us
from God?
Instead of taking a path of self-righteousness, try to understand what upsets us. If extra time is needed, take it. Waiting sometimes can change situations for the better. If our words are tripping us up, say a prayer before voicing something you will find difficult to take back later. As to actions, try the Golden Rule of reaching out to others before using a body part to physically, mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually hurt another person.
Remember in each situation we want to promote a relationship with God and His creation through love. It is the basis upon which God does everything worthwhile for all. Doubting God’s plan for man because we believe there is a better way, contradicts our very existence here on earth and negates the happiness of an afterlife promised by God to those who follow His will. It’s for that reason we might put aside other things we are or are not doing to seek a positive outcome of having God in our corner. It’s at least worth a try.
Reading 1: Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14
Reading 2: First Timothy 1: 12-17
Gospel: Luke 15: 1-32
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