At this point in time, I would not be passing out big kudos--my world stays fuzzy too much to brag.
When the stars are all aligned and I am looking through just the right part of those glasses, it is great. Unfortunately, I am not yet proficient in lining the eyeball up with the lens.
While reading from the Prophet Isaiah's words today, I became aware of how my sin vision has become somewhat blurred. I am reading in the chapter about the consequences of the woes. As I read, I became convicted of my own sin.
You see I look at the sin of others through my magnifiers. I have those 2.5 x magnification lens pointed right at your sin and the way you are living. It not only makes things crystal clear, but enlarges them. I have gotten out the magnifying glass to look at your sins and woe unto you---for your sin is great! I am crying out for righteous judgement!
But when it comes to my sin---I am peering through the fuzzy never focused land in the middle of the lens. What do our car mirrors say, "Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear." My sin may be closer and greater than I see. But unfortunately I fail to bring my own sin into focus and instead choose to look through the haze of a foggy lens.
As I read through those woes, I was convicted of how many I am guilty. For you see as long as I am keeping your sin in focus, mine becomes blurred and forgotten. I am guilty of peering through the lens of passing judgement and failing to look at the magnifying mirror at my own shortcomings. I want judgement for you and mercy for me.
I am thankful for God's mercy and pray for the clear vision to focus upon what is closest---me--when examining sin. I pray to see through the eyes of Jesus and to have the vision of righteousness and a heart filled with forgiveness.
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
Isaiah 5:20
I suppose, Lulu, we all do what you say at some time or other. It is easier to see the sin in others rather than focus on our own sins. We Catholics are encouraged to go to confess our sins at least twice a year; at Christmas and Easter. Normally we have three or four priests in church on the alloted days to hear confessions. Usually the church is full. It never ceases to amaze me how many sinners we have in our town. I, of course, only go as a sense of duty, because I really don't sin that much. In fact I have to scratch my brains to invent some sins to tell the priest.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Lulu.
So glad you have avoided the sin of pride--LOL! Twice a year ---how long do you have with the priest? I fear he would be over-whelmed if I had to list all I had done for months!
DeleteBlessings, Victor!
The thing is, Lulu, rules and instructions aren't too clear. For a start we have venial (minor) sins, and mortal (really bad and naughty) sins. With mortal sins, if you die, you go down to hell with no parachute. They are mostly sins breaking the 10 Commandments. We are told by the Church to confess them straight-away just in case we die suddenly - like for instance me meeting my mother-in-law late at night. That's enought to kill a cat with nine lives.
DeleteAnyway, with venial sins, (minor ones like I hid the remote control so we can watch the football instead of Downton Abbey), these can be confessed direct to God and seek His forgiveness. (I guess He doesn't like Downton Abbey either).
People usually go to confession weekly, or perhaps monthly. We're told to go AT LEAST twice a year but straight-away for mortal sins.
Usually you discuss your miss-demeanours with the priest for about ten minutes or so. I usually take a bit longer because I have to nudge him and wake him from his sleep.
Seriously though. The intention is to confess (admit) that you have sinned. Realise the seriousness of the sin and seek forgiveness and try your best not to repeat it. Usually the priest gives some advice and absolves (forgives) your sins just like Christ said to His disciples whatever they forgive on earth is forgiven in Heaven.
Hope I've answered most of your points, Lulu. God bless you.
Video about confession: http://timeforreflections.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/confession-explained.html
DeleteAnd this is me confessing my sins: http://timeforreflections.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/i-confess.html
DeleteOH, Victor, your poor MIL---you are always giving her such a hard time!
DeleteThank you for the excellent explanation of Catholic beliefs, Victor.
DeleteBlessings!
clearer vision. yes, yes. that's what we need from Him.
ReplyDeletetil then, we're seeing through a glass darkly.
a lovely devotional this morning, Lulu ...
Praying for my fuzzy vision to become clear, Linda!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!