G.K. Chesterton wrote that the greatest threat to our salvation is complacency. We begin to feel that we are just fine – maybe not perfect – but good the way we are. Haven’t you ever said “why do I need to go confession? I haven’t done anything really bad?” That’s complacency. We exalt our strengths and push aside our faults. The Church teaches that every sin is serous. No matter how small or venial it may seem, every sin creates a proclivity to sin and we need to be washed clean time and time again by the only thing that can heal us and restore us – God’s mercy and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession. The Pharisee in today’s Gospel looked at himself and beat his breast: “Look at me, he says. Thank God I am not the others who are sinners. I am righteous and good and just. “ Sadly, his own pride and lack of humility has blinded to him to his sin and cuts him off from grace and salvation. The tax collector, on the other hand, approaches the altar in sorrow and penitence: “Look at me, he says. I am a sinner. Have mercy on me.” How important it is that we can see clearly our sins and failings. Too often we take delight in pointing out the sins of others and yet fail to recognize our own. Lent is a time to examine our conscience and see where we fall short. We must be honest and serious about our sins so that we can bring them to the Lord for healing and forgiveness. As Pope Francis has reminded us: God never gets tired of forgiving our sins; we just get tired of asking.
Prayer:
Lead me oh Lord, won't you lead me
I am tired and I need thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won't you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won't you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without thy light to see
Lord just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won't you lead me
Action:
Take time to examine your conscience today and make a list of where you have fallen short and missed the mark. Find a time to bring those sins to confession before Lent is over.