1 October, Sunday — Confess or justify?

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ez 18:25-28
Phi 2:1-5
Mt 21:28-32

“…tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the Kingdom of God before you.“

Well that’s a thought (a reality) most of us don’t like. All those ‘bad’, lawless, self-involved selfish people, criminals from all walks of life in line, IN FRONT of us at the Pearly Gates. We may not be perfect, but we’re basically good, and certainly better than ‘them’!

The question Jesus asks in today’s gospel, “Which of the two did the will of His father?” is a layered one.  Words and actions – sins and sins confessed – forgiveness and pride. This reminds me of the Prodigal Son — it doesn’t seem fair, not totally fair. Yet, we know that it is. Dr. Peter Kreeft shares, “The point is that actions speak louder than words; that God wants more than agreement, he wants obedience. He wants more than good words; he wants good works. He wants more than faith; he wants fidelity.” He goes on to say, “‘Oh I believe the right things, so I’m okay’, we think.  ‘I’m on the side of the angels.’  But do you actually FIGHT on the side of the angels? Do you fight against the fallen angels, the evil spirits that keep tempting you, or do you just sit and watch the battle?”

Wow – heaven or hell – or at least front of the line/back of the line – questions for each of us to contemplate. 

It is so easy to point the finger and then to justify our thoughts/words/actions. In confession this morning, the priest said something I don’t believe I’ve ever heard before, an AHA moment. His words were something like…sinning is one thing, and God forgives all sinners of their repented sins. But to sin and then justify your sin in your own head, holding it back from the feet of Jesus, is playing with the devil, because that keeps us from confessing and allowing ourselves forgiveness. Sin itself is never forgiven, but the repentant sinner IS forgiven. If we don’t repent, if we justify our sins, we have closed the door on God. 

And the good news, as we learn from Jesus’ words, is that humbling ourselves and admitting to God what He already knows, brings forgiveness; and we are able to, once again start afresh, cleaned from the inside out.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Gina Ulicny)

Prayer: Father God, help us to let go of our self-indulgent pride so that we will more easily, and more often, bring our sins to you in reconciliation. 

Thanksgiving: Father God, I am grateful beyond for the gift of the confessional that your Church has given us to reconcile ourselves to you. Thank you for loving us despite our many sins, our consistent sins; thank you for ‘making all things new’ so that we too, may enter the Kingdom of Heaven and stand beside all the angels and saints.