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.
Read MoreJesus, incognito, meets the two disciples on their way to Emmaus and as He explains the Scripture to them, their minds are gradually enlightened. Jesus waited until He had made them understand the Scripture before He allowed them to recognize Him.
Read MoreIn today’s First Reading, we hear of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Babylonians and the sacking of the city. Many people were killed, and all the leading citizens and skilled workers were deported to Babylon. The prophets viewed this as punishment for Israel’s infidelity.
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