~ Sinners ~

~ Sinners ~

You are a sinner, but no more so than I am. In fact, with all of the evidence I have at my disposal, I would have to say that I am a far worse sinner, for all I know about you is that you are human and, as such, are guilty of the human condition of sin. But I, I know each one of my sins. I can recall each one though I struggle to forget them. And although I may never forget them, I put much effort every day into making sure you never discover them. Why? Because I am ashamed of myself and what I have done with the blessings the Lord has given me.

That's one of the things I love about the saints; they were human, too, and as guilty of sin as you and I. Many people think of St. Mary Magdalene as one of the best examples of a converted sinner, but are there not many others? St. Paul persecuted Christians; St. Longinus wielded the weapon that pierced the side of Christ. And yet they were all converted to the Lord and, I have faith, are now in Heaven with Him. I could name many other saints, but I do not know of what sins they were guilty. A part of me wishes I did. I try to look to the saints for inspiration in all areas of my life and repentance is one I really struggle with. All of the explicit examples of Heavenly forgiveness are a great help in guiding me toward a fuller reconciliation with Jesus Christ.

I am a sinner now, but I hope one day to be a saint. I know that being a saint is a struggle, but I also  know that it is far from an impossibility. You can be a saint, too, if you open your heart to the Lord. Every day, every moment - pray as often as you can to be converted to the Lord and to resist the temptation to sin. If you are afraid that you might not have quite the right words to say, don't worry; remember that God is good, God is just. Remember that He loves you, and remember the beautiful prayer that Jesus taught us:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

May the good Lord bless you today and every day with His peace.