WEEK 9: “Betrayal and forgiveness”
When we see the cross we see the autobiography of our life, and as we stare at the victorious victim, it’s hard not to be reminded that we are the ones who put him there. Our hearts are weak and our sins are great but God is calling us back to Him.
listen
think
We are imperfect human beings, but our Lord is always patient with us, no matter how many errors we tend to make. However, we must understand God’s true mercy for all of us, which is in the form of sorrow. Humans have two natures, the first nature that came from our parents and the second nature that came from our Creator. St. Peter was a prime example that expresses these two natures. St. Peter shows us the example of the weakness of human nature; by his lack of faith, and yet he received the strength of the divine nature when the Holy Spirit gave him the realization that Jesus is God. For God turned Simon into Peter (rock), the man who denied Christ three times and turned his back on Him because of his shame and guilt. We ourselves fall away; we neglect prayer, we substitute actions for prayer, we look for creature comforts and human consolation. But even after all these things, God is always willing to take us back. He always sees the potential of a sorrowful heart. Never justify the guilt that we have in our hearts and always be fearful to offend our God, for His Mercy is everlasting.
pray
For Repentance and Forgiveness
Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient,
you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel,
you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
(Isaiah 1:18-20)
Let us pray for the gift of tears:
Merciful Savior, you forgive and forget our sins at the moment we repent before you. No matter how stupid or malicious they were, they should vanish from our hearts too. If we trust your word, “Your sins are forgiven!” we must not doubt that they are in truth. Kneeling at the foot of the cross, we look to your five precious wounds for complete healing of our sinful tendencies and for the strength to remedy their effects. Your reign, Lord Jesus, is a reign for all ages! AMEN.
Resource
“Prayer of Christian Consolation” Compiled by William G Storey, published by Loyola Press (Pg. 144)
act
- Do you substitute action for prayer? If you’re prayerful you will have a different kind of action. Do not neglect prayer and always pray before you act.
- Are you a lukewarm Catholic (meaning: you do not completely deny the Lord, but you do not want to be completely identified with Him either)? Are you going to be able to accept our Lord? Or deny Him three times? Be fervent in prayer to prepare ourselves for the trials in our day-to-day life.
- Don’t turn your back on God, for our God is always willing to take us back. The Lord will take anyone who will turn to him, but not to those who justify their guilt.
Meet Isaac, Our Spiritual Guide for these Reflections
My name is Isaac Padriga. I was born in the Philippines and came to the states in 2006. One of my favorite daily activities is practicing filipino martial arts or Eskrima (fencing). It is basically shadow boxing with a stick 🙂 I enjoy the thoughtless flow of motion while performing and executing the various movements . My catholic faith is an important aspect of my life for it is the truth, mystery and guidance that helps me navigate through the ongoing uncertainties and challenges of the secular world. I also have two dogs, one mixed maltipoo/shih tzu, named Molly, and a mixed australian shepherd/labrador, named Copper. And finally, I also like to put two shots of espresso in my lemonade. -_-
Cal Poly Pomona Catholic Newman Club 