It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep. The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:11,12
This passage is taken from the Morning Office of prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. It speaks of new beginnings. Now that we are in Christ, it is time to put away the sinful works of darkness and embrace the ways of Christ who is our Light.
Today's Gospel Reading for the Mass is taken from St. Luke's account of Zacchaeus. He was a tax collector, a very sinful man, who wanted to see Jesus. Jesus went to his house for dinner and forgave the man. His gratitude was evident in his resolve to live very differently from what he had before. This is true conversion; the reception of divine love and grace, and the corresponding transformation that follows.
Every moment of our lives provides us with such an opportunity. Whether we have been very religious, or not religious at all, God's grace abounds to the sinner in every place. No matter what you have done, this opportunity is available.
The night draws to a close. The day of our Lord's appearing is at hand. It is time to put away the works of darkness. Don't wallow in the failings of yesterday. Look forward to the life of Grace being offered to you in this moment. Let it be the moment of conversion. Let the day dawn and the Morning Star rise in your heart. Receive the warmth of the new day in Christ and go and sin no more!
1 comment:
Such wonderful words of encouragement! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding us to look forward.
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