Go Back
On this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the gospel reminds us of the many teachings of Jesus regarding obedience, forgiveness, adultery, and justice. Our duty as Christians is to bring Christ to other people. We can do this through the example we set for one another, especially with people we do not know. As we are about to approach the season of lent, we are invited to go back to the Father by examining our conscience, recognizing the presence of Jesus among others, and hearing the voice of the Spirit working within us.
First, we examine our conscience as we return to the Father by recalling the sins we've committed throughout the day and sincerely asking the Lord for mercy and compassion on the times that we've offended Him through sinning. In examining our conscience, we need to recognize the reality of sin in life. We must have our hearts open to reconciliation, for the heart refers to our inner life, or the core of our being. In our hearts we find the alarm in which God puts it in the beginning to settle our hearts on the good path of life. This alarm is what we call conscience. And so let us allow our conscience to be open to conversion as we return to the embrace of the Father.
Second, we recognize the presence of Jesus in other people. When we learn to recognize the presence of Our Lord in others, we will be aware of the actions we inflict on them. This is challenging, for we always have judgments whenever we see people with whom we are irritated. Yet the truth of Jesus’ presence is approved by St. Alphonsus: "Your God is ever beside you; indeed, He is even within you." This is a reminder that no one is lost in the loving embrace of God, for He willed us into existence, and this can be proof of one’s dignity as an image and likeness of God.
Third, we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit working within us. He is the voice that alarms us whenever we feel guilty; it is what Our Lord said about the sin that cannot be forgiven: "Blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." This can be simplified as an unrepentant heart, not cooperating with the movements and the alarm of the Spirit calling us to repentance and conversion.
The Holy Spirit is the key to all of this. Let us examine our conscience, recognize the presence of Jesus, and hear the voice of the Spirit within us as we journey towards the heavenly glory of God. Let us allow the Spirit to disturb us, for it is God who is speaking to us. Thus, let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
