We Are Shamefaced
The first reading is a cry from the depth of a broken heart- a cry of mercy. As Saint Augustine says, three things are necessary for salvation: the first is humility, the second is humility, and the third is humility.
Today’s prayer from the book of Daniel is a prayer from a beautiful, humble soul and a humble heart. “We have sinned, been wicked, and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land.”
It is a prayer from the depth of a broken heart, from a person who has fallen rock bottom and had a spiritual awakening through a hard way. Their prayer called a spade a spade, “We have sinned, been wicked, and done evil.”
It is when a sin is shamefaced and realizes his or her evil ways that the road to repentance begins. Repentance is walking back to God, the source of our being. The story of the wasteful son recounted in the Prodigal Son’s account by Jesus is something that applies here. When we return after we have reached rock bottom, we have the grace to acknowledge that God is compassionate and forgiving.
Jesus, in the gospel, challenged his followers to “Be Merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Jesus laid emphasis on what I may call “The Three Stops.”
1. Stop judging
2. Stop condemning
3. Stop been unforgiving
Then Jesus warns, “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” In another place, Jesus says, “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.”
The season of Lent is a wonderful time to reflect on the “Three Stops,” as enumerated above. There are blessings for those who do not judge or condemn and those who forgive and give gifts. May you and I be among those who will enjoy these blessings.
Have a wonderful Week.
