A Sinner

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Luke 18:13

It is difficult for us to confront our own sinfulness but Lent is precisely the time to do it. During these difficult times when we are forced to give up our regular work, our get togethers with family and friends, when we cannot celebrate birthdays, we cannot fail to ask questions. What have we done to deserve this? 

In the first reading for today from Hosea, we read, “Come, let us return to the Lord, it is He who has rent, but He will heal us.” (Hosea 6:1) In the NIV this translates to “He has torn us to pieces”. In the CEV, this is what we find: “He has torn us to shreds”. An atheist would propose, “There is no God! Why would a god allow so much pain and suffering in this world?” I am glad our President did not use the situation to curse God but instead, urged us to pray. 

It is said the gate to heaven is narrow, but it may even be so low that only the humble of heart can get in. I know that our Father in heaven wants all of us to get into heaven. These days when we cannot fail to see that all that man has accomplished through the centuries can be wiped out in a matter of months by an invisible enemy, we face our helplessness and turn to God. Yes, to me this shows there is a living, mighty God, who wants to show us what is important, what will last through eternity. It is not what man has built, but what He has given to us. And that is what we are left with now. Our relationship with Him. Our loving Father is asking us to return to Him, to listen to Him, to pray. “He has struck us, but He will bind our wounds....For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:1-6)