BEING SORRY

October 1, 2023 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm)

In a recent Facebook post, a Q&A was logged:  “Is mortal sin forgiven only through sacramental confession?” In other words, “Is it enough to confess your sin to be forgiven of your mortal sin?” The answer was… sacramental confession is normatively but not absolutely required of mortal sin. Meaning, confession can forgive mortal sin but it is not the only one way and means of forgiving and being forgiven of mortal sins.

Yes, sacramental confession and forgiving mortal sin are all about reconciliation with God and others, but it is also (and moreso), about REPENTANCE – the whole process of turning from sin and dedicating oneself to amend one’s life.

Our readings today have a lot to teach us about repentance. First of all, repentance is more than just changing one’s mind, but it is about making a choice – a stand for ones life. In our gospel, both sons changed their minds: the second did not fulfill what he promised while the first did what was requested which he had initially refused. The virtuous as well as the wicked may also change their mind as our first reading suggests. Although it involves much changing one’s mind, repentance thus requires our choice – to turn away from virtuous or wicked life, as well as to fulfill or neglect our promise.

Second, repentance is giving oneself and the others another chance. In our gospel today, because he choose to neglect his promise, the second son did not give himself and his father a chance to make things right. The first son however gives himself another chance and his father to make things right again by doing what was requested, even though he did not initially commit. In the same way, for the wicked to change his mind and turn away from his wickedness, he gives himself another chance for God to forgive and be merciful to him, and for himself to lead a virtuous life.

Third, repentance is about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It is not only about confessing you sin, just saying you’re sorry, but it is all about BEING sorry. Confessing ones sin is also not only about resolving to change your ways but it is all committing/ dedicating oneself in changing one’s life. Jesus asks about whom among the sons who Did the will of Father. He is not concern with who says Yes or No, but who does the Father’s will. Meaning, God needs DOERS who mean what they say, live and witness what they preach and believe, rather than preachers who do not do, live, witness what they say and preach.

Although less appreciated compared to other sacraments, repentance of sin through the sacrament of reconciliation or confession is actually a Gospel – a good news of God’s salvation because it involves the resolve and commitment of the sinner to change one’s life, to give oneself and God another chance, as well as to live his life and dedicate his faith as witness to Christ’s good news to all.    

St. Francis of Assisi who once said: Preach the Good news at all times, and use words when necessary. This reminds us that everything in our life as Christian – our struggles, hopes, dreams, aspirations, commitments, as well as our repentance of sin are a Life of Witness to the Good News of Christ. Whatever we do and however we live our Christian lives is a testimony to God’s work of salvation. It is ours now to share and preach such gospel to all at all times, not only by our words but also by our actions.

In other words, it is never too late for us to change our minds, our ways and life. Just believe in Him – this would be the Lord’s  challenge for us now.