The more a leopard steps out of the darkness and into the light, the more his spots are revealed. Jesus is the light of the world (Jn. 8:12), and the more we choose to draw close to Him, the more the ‘spots’ of our sins become evident. This is not to our detriment but for our benefit. By identifying our sins, we can now turn them over to God. When the tax collector recognised his sins and pleaded for mercy, it was he who went home right with God (Lk. 18:9-14). Honesty with our shortcomings does not allow room to either condemn others or put ourselves above another. In fact, God’s love does not even allow us to condemn ourselves. His mercy and love is greater than our sins. Lord Jesus, may Your grace help me to confess my sins, so that I may be bathed with Your mercy and cleansed by Your blood. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031018.cfm