Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: I am reading a book by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, entitled Just This, and in the section that Rohr quoted the French philosopher and savant, Blaise Pascal, “People never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction.” This reflection by Pascal and Rohr seemed to be a connecting point for our readings today.
 
In St. Paul Letter to Titus, Paul is placing his trust in Titus to find good people who can lead the Church in Crete and the surrounding area. Paul gives Titus qualifications for the kind of men he should look for. Paul wants faith-filled men not one who are led easily into self-righteousness and sin. Titus is to look for good men but not men who will think of themselves as “holier than thou!”
 
In Luke’s gospel Jesus continues to talk about sin, which is not a topic that most of us like to embrace with vigor. Perhaps it is because we have been influenced too much by societal norms which seem to reject the notion of sin in the modern world. As we reflect on the readings today, the words of Pope Francis come to mind also when he is asked, “Who Is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” and he responds, “I am a sinner.” Perhaps it is good to know that we are the same company as the Pope.
 
Our Gospel not only dwells on the effects of sin but also the resolution to bring us back into the light of the Spirit. We hear a lesson on how to forgive others. If someone wrongs us seven times a day, we are called to forgive seven times. Yes, we are called to constantly forgive, God in his unquantifiable love forgives us if we truly have a repentant heart.
 
The work of faith and forgiveness is never finished. It is an ongoing process until we meet God face to face.
 
Have a great Monday everyone!