Sometimes, we think we are not bad people like others if we are not criminals who kill or rape others, and if we are not like the ones we see in television dramas who commit adultery. However, the Lord challenges us today to go beyond that usual thinking and to examine ourselves deeply. He says that when a person looks with lust, then that person is already guilty of adultery. He says that killing a brother does not mean only killing their body. It could also be hatred or wrath which is sinful anger. 

It is because sin comes from within, from our hearts. Before committing the act of sin, the person has already sinned through thoughts. Therefore, we must guard our thoughts first to avoid sin. It is impossible to do this without the aid of prayer. By the grace and light of God, we will know what’s right or wrong and the resolutions to follow it. By the power of God, we, His children, can resist temptations starting from our thoughts, feelings, and desires. 

It is now time to examine ourselves having been reminded of this truth in the Gospel today. Ask yourself, “How have I sinned in my thoughts and my words?” Then later, also examine your actions and you will find how sinful actions came from sinful words. If we do this every day, or every night before we sleep in prayer and ask God for forgiveness, we shall grow closer to God and holiness.

The sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and the confession are the two pillars that will make us stand up whenever we fall. God gives us the graces we need always, as long as we desire them.

Amen. +

Marga de Jesus | OLA Social Communications