Would you like to return to the Lord?
This 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on turning back to
God with humility in our hearts. The prayer of the tax collector in today’s Gospel,
“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” reminds us of the importance of being
honest with ourselves and asking for God’s mercy every day. This coming
Saturday, we celebrate All Saints’ Day – a day to remember that even saints,
shining examples of faith, once turned to God with the same sincere plea for
forgiveness as did St. Peter when he said, “Depart from me, Lord, I am a sinful
man.” Repentance is more than just admitting we’ve made mistakes; it’s a
sincere desire to grow and do better. Today’s first reading from the book of Sirach
tells us, “The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.” We can be
confident that regardless of our past actions, our heartfelt prayers and requests
will always find a place with Him.
Imagine our daily life as a notebook, with each page filled with unique
experiences; some bring us joy, while others teach us lessons from our mistakes.
When we admit our sins and seek forgiveness, we receive a wonderful gift, the
chance to tear out those pages of error and make a fresh start. Jesus, in His
endless love, offers us the sacrament of Reconciliation, an opportunity to cleanse
our hearts and begin anew. It is never too late to turn back to the light and grace.
As our responsorial psalm says, “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.”
Each of the Saints faced their own struggles and weaknesses; they were not
perfect. Their journey toward holiness was a continuous process of repentance
and renewal. We are also invited to walk this path with hope. Let’s create space
in our lives to reflect and stay receptive to the loving ways God calls us to
respond to His call for holiness. As we prepare for All Saints’ Day, take a moment
to reflect on how we can adopt a spirit of humility, not just for ourselves, but also
for others, by showing mercy and understanding. In doing so, we help build a
community of support and compassion.
Repentance and a sincere request for forgiveness can truly open the door to
a life filled with grace. Allow God’s gentle whisper to guide us, reassuring us that
each new day is an opportunity to draw closer to Him, to embrace His love, and
to step confidently into a life of hope. As we walk our path, keep the prayer of the
tax collector close to our hearts; we need to remember that no matter our past,
the future is bright with the promise of redemption if we return to the Lord.Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor