By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Humility is a virtue – and certainly a pathway to heaven. We must believe that our prayers are powerful enough to turn evil away and heal our land! We all make mistakes; acknowledging our wrongdoing to another person is the first step toward real peace. It is tough to reconcile the damage of a broken relationship if all involved are not willing to forgive. The Son of God taught us that forgiveness is a fundamental part of life, death and resurrection.
Metanoia is a Greek word meaning spiritual conversion – a change in one’s way of life – a regretful acknowledgement of sin. The Gospels of Mark and Matthew begin with the public ministry of Jesus and His call for repentance. St. Paul preached to Jews and Gentiles, "Turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
True contrition can prevent an evil stronghold and help us lead a moral life, and is required for salvation. We pray every day for God to forgive our faults and failures; so why is it so difficult to forgive those who offend us? Compassionate people contribute something unique in the world. Conversely, seeking retribution only causes more pain.
The goal is to see God when our life on earth is done. The gospel of the kingdom of God fully explains a code of Christian ethics. The Sermon on the Mount in the gospel of Matthew teaches us how to live in the world, but not of the world. The Beatitudes and God’s plan for mankind are contradicted by a worldview that lacks humility and right judgment. Align your will with the Will of God! A contrite and compassionate heart fills the needs of others – and forgives their faults, too. “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).
The unrestrained evil revealed in our culture today should concern everyone. Our own sins contribute to the darkness. Do you believe that mercy can triumph over judgment? Is it better to love or to be right? Can you fulfill the needs of others if you do not forgive their faults? These are tough questions to answer; and without trust in a merciful God or the grace He provides for us in the process of forgiveness; it is nearly impossible. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
The catechism book we use for our homeschool religion class has a chapter titled The Building Blocks of A Catholic Moral Life. It begins with the story of St. Catherine of Siena and her bold crusade to bring the Avignon Papacy to order – and to persuade Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome.
A moral life begins in covenant with God. We must strive for a true understanding of the meaning and consequences of love for God, others and ourselves. Following this great commandment helps us form good conscience and live as Christians. “If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). Created in the image of God, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. A healthy society will grow in virtue with the grace and mercy of God – knowing that only He can heal our land. Seek the face of God in prayer, and He will hear you from heaven! Pardon our sins, Oh Lord! Amen!