The Awesome Power of God
“Woe is me, I am doomed!" "I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle." "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." There is an interesting theme in the readings for this Sunday. These statements are from the readings this Sunday and they reveal the humbling reality that when we stand in the glorious presence of God, we must confront the Truth, look at ourselves honestly, and recognize our sin.
We are reminded of the Garden, when original sin disfigured human nature and Adam and Eve, realizing their nakedness, hid themselves from God. The story would be tragic if that had been the end. But in today’s readings and in our own lives, the effects of our sin are not the end. By becoming aware of our sin, and in humility asking God for forgiveness, we invite the Lord into our lives. Humility iss the crack in the door that allows God tol enter, bringing mercy and freedom found only in Him.
This Sunday’s readings shows how God’s presence leads us to acknowledge our utter nothingness. This is “step one.” In each of the readings today step 2 is what happens next. For Isaiah, “Your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” For St Paul, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.” “Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid.’”
In each reading hearts are transformed from shame and guilt to courage and confidence. The readings explain how each person is freed, and once they are free they are compelled to act boldly.
The same thing can happen to us, if we acknowledge our sin, open ourselves to the flow of God’s grace and allow the Him to heal and free us, then he will set our hearts on fire with His love making us radiate with His love.
“Because God is holy, he can forgive the man who realizes that he is a sinner before him” (CCC 208). When we confess our sinfulness in God’s presence, we put ourselves in a position to be forgiven. It is this attitude that we take when we pray the Confiteor at Mass. We dare not approach the altar, where the Lamb of God is seated on his throne, without first confessing our own sinfulness. We leave everything behind to follow the one with the power to make us worthy to receive him.
God bless you
Deacon Michael Braun