We often think that we have plenty of time to right our ship. We think, "Someday, I'll come around to faith and explore what living with God in my life is all about."
The truth is, we actually don't have plenty of time. Scripture warns us that the "number of their days seems great if it reaches a hundred years. Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity." (Sirach 18:9-10)
The truth is, we really shouldn't be putting off making ourself right with God, because the span of our life is incredibly short--even if we make it to 100!
Knowing this, God "provides a way back" (Sirach 17:24) for those who are willing to repent. Those of us who have lost hope have a way to return to God, now, today.
Sirach tells us, "Turn back to the Lord and give up your sins, pray before him and make your offenses few." (Verse 25)
I'm not sure why any of us would want to gamble against this wisdom, taking a chance that we know more than God about how things work.
One of the teachings of the Catholic Church is that we need to pray for those who have gone before us in death, because they are unable to help themselves.
"The dead can no more give praise than those who have never lived; they who are alive and well glorify the Lord. How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who return to him." (Sirach 17:28-29)
Now is the time for us--while we are alive--to turn back to God, give him praise, offer our penance and live in gratitude for his mercy.
Do it now. Today. Do not wait!
It seems to me this isn't something to play around with, for after all, as I remind myself every day, "Be teachable, you're not always right."
Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com
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