Lord be merciful to me a sinner

Dear friends,

The Trappist monks take the vow of daily conversion when they are formally professed. Conversion is the theme of today’s Gospel. It is the way to turn around and face God. In other words; to face the truth about ourselves. The one who “went home again at rights with God” was the sinner who called out to God from his heart “Lord be merciful to me a sinner.”

Obviously, this requires humility. To be “down to earth” in our relationship with God and others. The spiritual masters say that “pride is the root of all evil.” It is the vice that is completely opposite to the virtue of humility.

It is good to sometimes take a break and reflect upon my relationship with God. To stand still and look back over my day and review how did I love today? Was I preoccupied with myself? Did I do good? It is essential also to examine my conscience.

When was the last time I said “I am sorry?” When was the last time I acknowledged my sins? Practised the sacrament of reconciliation; to take the opportunity to confess my sins and make amends? Do I identify with the tax collector in today’s Gospel and recognise the same desire to seek mercy? Forgiveness brings peace. Peace brings harmony. Harmony brings joy. Conversion is when I turn around and see my true self, loved and forgiven. May we pray to practise this Christian virtue each and every day.

God love you
Fr. Frank

Welcome to all our St Mary MacKillop School families. Students from the Wood Sporting House will be ministering at Mass this Sunday

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