Daily Gospel Reflection for June 16, 2017

Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32

"If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna....."

Jesus did not sugar-coat sin. His strong, straightforward words gives us much to ponder. Jesus is all loving, all merciful and all forgiving.

He spoke Truth that set people free from their bondage of sin. Jesus loves us so much that He must speak the truth about sin. He wants to draw us into His Most Sacred Heart where mercy abides.

Jesus instituted the powerful Sacrament of Reconciliation so that He can seek, find, forgive, and carry to safety His precious little lambs that are caught in the brambles of their sins. It is a Sacrament of mercy. It is a Sacrament of love. It is a Sacrament of healing. Each time we humbly confess our sins to the priest, graces upon graces flow out from Jesus Most Sacred Heart. We are washed clean by the Blood of the Lamb.

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Ponder:

Take a few moments and close your eyes and picture Jesus holding you, as you humbly confess your sins. Do you see Jesus wipe away your tears?

Pray:

Jesus, help me to examine my conscience, to prepare myself to receive Your mercy and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Connie Beckman resides in Helena, Montana with her husband. She is a member of the Cathedral of St Helena Parish, and the Catholic Writer's Guild. She is a former feature story writer for a bi-weekly newspaper and has been published in many Catholic magazines. Connie shares her joy and love of God at her website: www.conniescatholiccorner.com.