Put on a new self
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Let us consider the words of the prophet Micah: "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:18-19)
When you receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Roman Catholic Faith, and you receive His absolution, your sins are forgiven and as the prophet Micah states, God does not remain angry, because He delights in his mercy and compassion. He casts our sins into the depth of the sea. In other words, my brothers and sisters, your sins, forgiven as they are in Reconciliation, are a thing of the past. It is very unfortunate, even arrogant, for people to keep the burden of their forgiven sins by not being able to forgive themselves. If God says they are thrown into the sea, then by what logic and right can we say no that his wonderful gift of forgiveness?
The year 2024 has begun, as I am composing this reflection. What have we to say for ourselves? Has 2023-4 been a year that we came closer to Our Lord God, or did we get further away from Him, or denied Him altogether by the attraction to sins of the flesh? In the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians (4:21-24 rsvce), “assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Read the Word of the Lord (Holy Scriptures), seek to discern how His words apply to your daily living, repent, and love God and your neighbor as yourself, and you're on your way. (some translations say ‘put on a new self’)
I don't believe very much in New Years' resolutions because every year I've made such promises they were forgotten pretty soon. I believe in action. Now! This minute, don't let grass grow under your commitments. Love the Lord as you should and act the way a good Christian would. Not because of how others might think of you, but for your own commitment and integrity, and, of course, because we love God and our sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus.
There are many people who need our urgent prayers. There are the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost home and income in war-torn countries, Ukraine, and Israel/Palestine. There are too many who lost their lives. Some will undoubtedly blame God for their situation or ask how He could permit this. But God is really not at fault. He loves us so very much. He has given us so much as his creation. He has given us a free will, and that was the beginning of the problems. We misused our free wills. We chose to live the "good life," and that good life was often lived without regard to God and directly opposed to His love and goodness for us. Rather, we should learn from the situation. Death can strike at any time. There is usually no forewarning, especially in a war. Will we be ready for death when it comes? When death comes, it is too late. No more time to back peddle and make things right. That's when all changes come to a halt. We would be blessed if in our dying moment we have the presence of mind to ask God for forgiveness for all unconfessed sins. Dedicate your entire life through St. Francis of Assisi (or your favorite Saint) to God. Those who follow the Rule of St. Francis at all times, will be rewarded.
Let's quietly slip into 2024, with the intention to make this new year holier by loving God, and our neighbor as we love ourselves. When we love others as ourselves, we do not fear or be apprehensive because we know that God is with us. So I wish you a Happy 2024, with better health physically and spiritually.
Peace and all Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Epipany 2024