“We cannot change anything unless we accept it.”

“People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls.” - C.G. Jung

Scripture text: (WIS 2:1A, 12-22)
The wicked said among themselves,
thinking not aright:
“Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
Reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training.
He professes to have knowledge of God
and styles himself a child of the LORD.
To us he is the censure of our thoughts;
merely to see him is a hardship for us,
Because his life is not like that of others,
and different are his ways.
He judges us debased;
he holds aloof from our paths as from things impure.
He calls blest the destiny of the just
and boasts that God is his Father.
Let us see whether his words be true;
let us find out what will happen to him.
For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
With revilement and torture let us put him to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him.”
These were their thoughts, but they erred;
for their wickedness blinded them,
and they knew not the hidden counsels of God;
neither did they count on a recompense of holiness
nor discern the innocent souls’ reward.

Throughout the New Testament, you see different people’s reactions to the image of themselves they saw when compared up against to the image Jesus. Some immediately repented and began to live a more pure life. Others were so disturbed that they tried to destroy him so that they wouldn’t have to be confronted with their sins again.

Sadly, the ones who responded this way missed a major part of Jesus’ reflection: his mercy. Jesus knows us through and through, and he still loves us. His grace is endless and always available, ready to help us if we ask. He loves us so much that he can watch us sin, still see our potential, and offer to set us on the path that leads us back to him and his heavenly home.

Today, think of how you feel when you come face-to-face with the truth about yourself in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Remember that even though you may sin, you are still God’s “very good” creation (Genesis 1:31), filled with the potential to do so much good. Let God’s vision for you lift you up and move you to repentance. Let his grace help you look in the mirror with joy, not anger.