“A clear conscience is absolutely essential for distinguishing between the voice of God and the voice of the enemy. Un-confessed sin is a prime reason why many do not know God's will…. …The Sacrament of Reconciliation has become a forgotten Sacrament in MANY Catholic circles……I tell you this, frequent confession with a good priest (once a month) & receiving the Eucharist once a week in a state of grace will change your life, open both your eyes and ears to the Truth, and bring you peace & joy……When a person denies his conscience for too long, it can become seared. That person becomes susceptible to receiving and accepting all sorts of harmful things, which the human mind rationalizes. This is true for both believers and unbelievers.....Time does not erase our wounds caused by our sins, only God can in the Sacrament of Reconciliation………If you do not believe me, give it a try & SEE for your self…..Do not be afraid, Jesus came for sinners and I am one of them…He came for me…And He came for YOU!!”

Gospel Text: (Lk 11:42-46)

The Lord said:
“Woe to you Pharisees!
You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb,
but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.
These you should have done, without overlooking the others.
Woe to you Pharisees!
You love the seat of honor in synagogues
and greetings in marketplaces.  
Woe to you!
You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply,
“Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”
And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law!
You impose on people burdens hard to carry,
but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

 

Reflect, today, upon anything that has recently offended you. Be honest and admit that it is often the case that when God presents you with your sin through some means such as the loving rebuke of another, you must work diligently to overcome any pride. And when you feel defensive, you must immediately see that as an indication that there is something in your life that you need to change. A pricked conscience is a gift from God. Rejoice when that happens, rather than being offended, and you will discover one of the best ways by which you can grow in holiness of life by becoming free of the very sin our Lord is presenting to you.