When my three brothers and I were children, my mother would repeat herself when she wanted to make a point or to get us boys to do something. My mother, and I hope your mother did too, had a lot in common with Jesus.

In today’s Gospel reading in Luke 13:1-9, Jesus repeats himself by stating, “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” Whenever life lessons are repeated in the Bible, we should pay attention.

In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist’s very first word in ministry is repent. Jesus also started his ministry in Mark 1:15 and Matthew 4:17 with the word repent.

For many years as a young man, I was sorry for my sins when I got caught. Remorse and repentance are different; even AI knows this. James 5:16 says to confess your sins to one another. I am eternally grateful for the Roman Catholic priests who are available to hear my confession of sin.

Take 10 minutes today alone with the Lord and examine your life: where you fall short. Next to Jesus, you know yourself better than anyone. Humble yourself before the Lord, then head to church and be reconciled to God. Be refreshed.

Father Eymard stated, “Let us lovingly surrender to him our worries for the future, forgiveness of the past, and walk under the beautiful sun of his grace.” (Taken from A Year With Fr. Eymard by Fr. Erasto Fernandez, SSS)

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to be true to you and real with ourselves. Let us not make excuses for our sin and shortcomings. Guide us into your grace by confessing and repenting of our sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.