the unworthy and the "nice" go to the middle // 2011.07.23

Click here to read this day's Bible readings.

Most people find it hard to have a relationship with God because they feel unworthy of His mercy. They feel that they've committed too many sins in their lives, or have rejected/ignored Him long enough, that they have already lost God's love for them.

However, at the other end of the pole, we also have those who feel they are so "nice" that God and the world owe them. They are like the older brother who feel they have earned the right to demand from the Father and enforce their beliefs if it doesn't jive with the Father's will. In fact, most of the time, they are the ones that cause others to sin.

Today's readings remind us that God is merciful to those who seek it, and patient to those who strive to follow Him. The Israelites are my inspiration when it comes to falling and rising again. Saint John Chrysostom also tells us that God allows the weed to stay because they can "become wheat" if they desire. In fact, we have a lot of saints who were the hardest sinners before they gave their lives to God.

But let us also not forget the Gospel's warning... at the time of harvest, the weeds will be gathered and burned. Those whose hearts have not changed will be set apart from those who chose to live with God. Let us remember Saint John Vianney's words, "we put off our conversion again and again, but who says we will still have the time and strength for it then?"