"And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming." - 1 John 2:28
I had an epiphany at Mass recently. I've always had a question about God's forgiveness as it relates to His judgment. How are we forgiven and judged at the same time? During the homily it finally came to me. Forgiveness for my sin was paid for on the Cross. So, when the judgment comes, I'm not going to be judged for those sins. I go to the sacrament of Reconciliation regularly so they are already forgiven. What I will be judged on is how I "spent" that forgiveness. Did I squander the forgiveness Jesus paid for? Or did I use it to serve God's people?
This passage from John's letter to the Church is warning us about false ideas of who God is and how the Church (that's you and me) are supposed to hold fast to the truth of Christ Jesus. Just because a few thousand years have gone by doesn't mean that false ideas about God and heresy are not around anymore. It's our job to remain in the teachings of Christ so that we may avoid these false teachings and courageously live the Gospel that Jesus gave us.
Am I confident in the way I am using the forgiveness Christ has given me, or am I shamefully squandering it by not sharing His love in service to others?
Heavenly Father, give me the heart to live Your salvation in service to others.
Reflection by:
Davis Watts
Did you know...
Davis Watts is the Music Director at Spirit FM 90.5 and father of two children, Madelyne who passed away at 22 while battling Cystic Fibrosis and Ethan who continues to fight this deadly disease every day. He is also step-father of two boys, Liam and Graham. Davis and his wife Abby are parishioners at Nativity in Brandon. Davis holds a degree in Religious Studies from Saint Leo University and is an accomplished musician. Davis is a passionate speaker, knowledgeable on the Catholic faith, marriage, and music. You can hear him on Spirit FM weekdays from 10am-3pm.
