Walking with the Lord

Take a walk down the street in eternity!

Perhaps while we are still alive as a human being the direction we are walking towards may not mean much at this moment.  But once we pass over into an eternal semblance the decision anyone makes will have a lasting outcome for each of us.  We are looking at our attempt to find forgiveness for our sins, whether that comes about through the Sacrament of Confession or a true effort of calling on God for true penance.  

Looking at how the Church looks at Interior Penance;  “Jesus’ call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, sackcloth and ashes, fasting and mortification, but the conversion of the heart, interior conversion.  Without this, such penances remain sterile and false; however interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance.”  (CCC 1430).  

“Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right, by the admission of faults to one’s brethren, fraternal correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness.  Taking up one’s cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way to penance.”  (CCC 435).

As one walks this street the thought of which path should he choose to ensure that at least one of these tributes has become his choice?  Is it easy in a world where any one of these may identify you as a weakling in the view of far too many people?  Probably not, but then when you pass into eternity most if not all of your compatriots will not be there with you.  Their opinions no longer hold water in a dry environment of souls without a human body.  

Look at some positive expressions through scripture of God’s mercy:  The Lord passed before Moses and cried out, “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.”  (Ex 34: 6).  

“Blessed be the Lord, who has heard the sound of my pleading.  The Lord is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusted and found help.  So my heart rejoices; with my song I praise my God.”  (Ps 28: 6 - 7). 

“Happy the sinner whose fault is forgiven.  Happy those to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit.”  (Ps 32: 1 -2)

This street you are on has choices of entry.  Choosing the one that implies forgiveness for your sins will open wide when your conversion is completed through your free will to follow Christ in his passion given just for you.  Remember your interior conversion.  

Ralph B. Hathaway