“Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more.”
I just came from confession. After I received my absolution, I really felt good inside. I attended the mass; afterwhich, I went home. But along the way, a car suddenly sped in front of me while I am crossing the street. Luckily, it did not hit me. But I did curse the driver, shouting on top of my voice. I just came from talking with God, and now this happened. Well, I will just confess again my sins next week.
Then, it struck me. What if another car speeds up and this time, it hits me. What if a bad person suddenly robs me and gunned me down in the process. What if I just fall down on the street, dead, not knowing what happened. Yes, the Lord forgives sin. But he also expects that we do not sin anymore. It is hard, you and I know. And it means constant amendment in our lives, as we live in total agreement with Him, His will and His Word.
Let us learn from the case of the woman caught in adultery. Although Jesus had forgiven her sin, He expects her to live a life of grace and union with God by not sinning anymore. Sin does matter and damages our relationship with God, but it is not man who should judge us, but only God. When we receive Jesus’ forgiveness, He expects us to live as new people afterwards. As we come to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it would make no sense to come to confession if we intended to continue committing the same sin again. In weakness we may commit the same sin again. But surely we can only genuinely say that we are truly sorry for our sins if we have a firm intention not to commit sin again, amending our lives and living a life that God has intended and wants for us.
Almighty Father, you sent your Son to carry out your mission of redeeming the world. Let the light of your Gospel of love so shine in the world that it may be transformed into a worthy home for all your children of every race and country.
“I confess my sins,
And sin no more.
I live my life in You,
And be in my heart, forevermore.”
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
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