During my high school years, I developed the unhealthy habits of being judgmental towards others and gossiping. During this period, I also started to rebuild my faith, which was ironic because Jesus would never be snarky like that.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' judgment towards Him and the disciples for not traditionally washing before their meal.
He says, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil” (Luke 11:39).
Like the Pharisees, it was easier for me to point out the filth in others instead of my own bad choices.
As sinners, our hearts desperately need cleaning. The Lord wants to heal our hearts through the Sacrament of Confession. From my own experience, I understand it can be hard to accept God’s forgiveness, especially sins that seem “unforgivable.”
Dear sister, please don’t give in to this lie of the evil one that your sins aren't able to be forgiven. Listen to the One Who created you perfectly in His Divine Image. The Lord has a deep yearning to heal you. He wants your heart to be free from the dirt that’s weighing it down.
As I imagine Jesus holding my grimy heart, His love, mercy, and forgiveness is the soap that washes it. He is the Living Water that rinses the heart and makes it brand new.
There is no heart that He can’t clean, no sin He can't forgive. There is no heart that He doesn't wish to clean.
Lord, as Your Daughters, we humbly ask that you may free us from the idea that we are unforgivable. Show us Your love, mercy, and forgiveness. Clean our hearts, Lord. Amen.
He is the Living Water that rinses the heart. // Bella RolClick to tweet