“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Monday, 23rd January 2017.
Third Week in the Ordinary Time
Day of Prayer for legal protection of Unborn Children
Heb 9: 15, 24-28;
Ps 98: 1-6;
Mk 3: 22-30.
TURNING FROM SIN
Today’s Gospel passage reveals to us that there is a particular sin, the sin against the Holy Spirit that will not be forgiven. What is this sin? Why would it not be forgiven? Traditionally, this sin has been seen as a sin of final impenitence, or presumption. It’s the situation where someone sins gravely and then either fails to have any sorrow for that sin or simply presumes on God’s mercy without truly repenting. Either way, this lack of sorrow closes the door to God’s mercy. Of course it must also be said that whenever a person’s heart is changed, and he/she grows in sincere sorrow for sin, God is there to immediately welcome that person back with open arms. God would never turn away from someone who humbly returns to Him with a contrite heart.
Let us reflect upon the abundant mercy of God, and also reflect upon our own duty to foster true sorrow for sin. Let us do our part, and God will lavish His mercy and forgiveness upon us. There is no sin too great when we have hearts that are humble and contrite.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner. I do acknowledge my sin and I am sorry for it. Help me, dear Lord, to continually foster within my heart a greater sorrow for sin and a deeper trust in Your divine mercy. I thank You for Your perfect and unfailing love for me and for all. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Special Prayer for the Unborn: Lord Jesus, source and lover of Life. we beg you to reawaken in us respect for every unborn life, make us capable of seeing in the fruit of the maternal womb the miraculous work of the Creator, open our hearts to generously welcome every child that comes into life. Bless all families, sanctify the union of spouses, render fruitful their love. Accompany the choices of legislative assemblies with the light of your Spirit, so that peoples and nations may recognize and respect the sacred nature of life, of every human life. Guide the work of scientists and doctors, so that all progress contributes to the integral well-being of the person, and no one endures suppression or injustice. Give creative charity to administrators and economists, so they may realize and promote sufficient conditions so that young families can serenely embrace the birth of new children. Amen.
