DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness… – I John 1:8-9

Self-righteousness is a sin that blinds us to the truth.  When we boast of our own righteousness we imprison ourselves in our hubris, but when we humbly confess that our righteousness is not where it could be or possibly ought to be … then there hope that true righteousness might come upon us.

One man, a man who considered devout, stood in the sanctuary and gave thanks that he was not a sinner like that other man who was praying in the sanctuary.  “Thank you, Lord, that I am not like those sinners.  I pray they get right!”

That other man, the man looked upon by the devout as being obviously a sinner, knelt in the sanctuary and cried out, “God, have mercy on me a sinner!”

Of these two men, the man uttering words of judgment and the man confessing his need, Christ said … “I tell you that this man pleading for mercy, not the man claiming to be righteous, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 28:14

There are those who try to judge, control, and condemn others; and there are those who confess, seek mercy, and desire to be transformed.  I believe Christ understood that the penitent had the greater Hope of understanding and living the mercy of God.

Look and listen carefully, my Loved Ones, this drama is being reenacted in our present times.

Always in Christ’s Service,

Fr. Charitas de la Cruz