10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 9, 2024)

Shame is a natural consequence of sin. Whenever we do something wrong, we want to hide; we don’t want anyone to see us, or talk to us; even if our sin is committed in private, we may at times feel that others are onto us. Edgar Allan Poe shows us the thoughts of a sinner in hiding: “Was it possible they heard not? ... –no, no! They heard! –they suspected! –they knew! –they were making a mockery of my horror!” This sinner in hiding was afraid that others already knew about his sin and were pretending not to. The story ends when the sinner readily admits his sin to the—unbeknownst to him—clueless bystanders.

Such fear grips us. We are afraid of what people would do if they really knew us. We are even afraid of what God would say if we could hear His voice. Yet, Jesus’ message is clear: God only wants to forgive us. He wants us to come back into His friendship. We can keep pretending as though He doesn’t know, or we can readily admit to our faults and return to Him. This invitation to friendship and freedom is open to all people, regardless of what they have done. Abortion, euthanasia, sexual promiscuity, nothing is greater than God’s forgiveness.

For all children who have been lost by abortion, that they be received into the eternal dwelling prepared for them in heaven, we pray to the Lord...