27 January 2025 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: HOW CAN I TAKE A STEP TOWARD TRUE REPENTANCE?

First Reading: Hebrews 9: 15, 24-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10
Gospel: Mark 3: 22-30

The problem isn’t that God isn’t willing to forgive, it’s our unrepentant hearts that will block God’s mercy from reaching us. If someone stubbornly clings to their sin without a shred of regret or leans too heavily on the idea of grace without making an effort to change, they’re essentially shutting the door on God’s forgiveness. But here’s the good news: like the story of St. Mary of Egypt, the moment we soften our hearts, feel genuine sorrow for our mistakes, and turn back to God, He meets us with open arms. Every single time. There’s no hesitation on His part, just love and mercy ready to flood back in.
 
In your prayer time today, take a moment to think about this balance. Yes, God’s mercy is endless, but we also have a part to play. A humble and repentant heart, a sincere “I’m sorry,” and a willingness to grow, are all He asks. When we bring that to the table, there’s no sin too big for Him to forgive.

This is the 1737th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: [NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Eric Villanueva, Mission Head for CFC Europe and the Africa, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]