Sirach 5: 4-5
Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?" for the Most High bides his time. Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin.
Past sins can keep haunting you. They can chase you like a fox hound chases its prey. Sometimes they goes away and you don't hear them, then suddenly they reappear. It's especially hard when that sinful temptation keeps coming back, and you do it over and over. Often we can be embarrassed by them, but every once in a while, we become so desensitized that we don't realize the danger we can be in. Adultery, pornography, gluttony, gambling, and so many other vices can be deadly to our bodies and souls.
Today's readings both in the gospel and from Sirach address this. Sirach implores us to not become overconfident in getting away with sin. "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?" Sirach warns that you shouldn't be overconfident that you will be forgiven if you continue to sin, and you know you're sinning and don't care. In the Gospel, Jesus says that if our hands or feet cause us to sin, we are to cut them off. Of course this is hyperbole, but we are to avoid at all costs, the near occasions of sin. Pray today for the strength and courage to turn away from the dark side of sin, and walk to the light that is Christ the Lord.
