Eighth Monday of Ordinary Time

To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth. Return to him and give up sin, pray to the LORD and make your offenses few. Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin, hate intensely what he loathes, and know the justice and judgments of God, Stand firm in the way set before you, in prayer to the Most High God.

We are all sinners. God understands our weakened nature and that is why He always provides the penitent a way back to Him. If we are truly sorry for our failings and fully intend to make amends for them, then He will help us to succeed in obtaining His Mercy. He will give us the Truth that will set us free from our sins. He will show us how empty they are. He will encourage us to give up our sinful ways, pray to Him, and do our best to avoid temptation. He will give us the graces we need to turn our backs on evil and hate that which He hates. He will reveal His Justice and help us to stand firm in the Way we are called to walk. He will offer us a fulfilling life of holiness and every chance to keep our baptismal clothes clean of the stain of sin. And if we should fall again, He will be ready to lift us up and place our feet back on the narrow path to heaven. All we have to do is say, “Forgive me, Father for I have sinned.”

When we sin, do we immediately seek to make amends with God? Are we willing to give up our sins and reform our lives in accord with the Divine Image of God within us? What can we do to not only avoid evil, but also do good?

O Lord, give us the strength to stand firm in the way you've set before us.

Amen.