Monday, January 5, 2015

Memorial of St. John Neumann

Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Our repentance is necessary for God’s forgiveness. It is one of the things lacking in Christ’s sacrificial and saving action of dying for us on the cross. He cannot be contrite for us and he cannot accept the forgiveness He offers us. We have to do these things. We also need to keep in mind that the Kingdom of heaven is indeed at hand. It is not some distant and ethereal destination, but rather here with us in the Eucharistic presence of Christ. We might be awaiting His Second Coming, however, we should not forget that He is Emmanuel, the God who is with us.

What are the things in our lives which we should be repentant about, but have not yet sought forgiveness for? How do our thoughts, words, and actions reflect the reality that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand? Are we with God as much as He is with us?

O Lord, grant us a repentant heart so that we might one day dwell in the Kingdom of heaven with you forever and ever.

Amen.

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