"But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say?" — Romans 3:5 (NASB)
One day, a kid broke a plate when she tried to wash the dishes after lunch. This kid did not tell her dad because she was scared he would be angry. At night, she was silent. She felt worried and regretted it. She could not dare to look at her dad and make him suspicious - what happened to this child? Is she sick? Then, her dad asked, “Do you have something to tell?” There was no answer. The kid was so afraid if he knew it. And then stammering, she said to her father, “I am sorry, today I broke a plate”. After saying this, she looked at her dad. Tears were flowing down her cheek. Hearing and seeing that, the father smiled at the daughter and said, “It is okay. You can learn from your mistake.” So the kid felt free and released from her depression.
Just like that story, a human being always makes mistakes toward God and others. Even though the person regrets but as long as there is no confession, one will be bound by depressed feeling. The effect is discomfort with oneself and others. There is no peace in heart. Thus, confession is a way to get peace as it is an openness to admit failure and mistakes honestly.
From God perspective, before a person admits his sin, it is already known and forgiven. And if someone comes before Him to confess, He will stretch His hand and accept the person since God is merciful. We are so grateful to have such God. Having a forgiving and loyal God is a blessing for a Christian. Sin makes human beings unfree but coming to God liberates one from worry and fear.
A question to examine our heart is, what makes us sin today? And what makes us afraid to come before God?
Reflection on Romans 3:1-8 by Fr. Aris Mada, SVD
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