October 17, 2010 – Ecclesiastes 8 - 10:4

Ch 8 v. 12 – How much our soul is injured when we get away with something that is wrong.  How much are we encouraged the next time we come across a similar situation to do wrong again.  It would be so much easier if we were punished every time we did something wrong.  We would be so much less inclined to actually do things wrong if we didn’t think we could get away with it.  But, 99% of the time, we do.  We are on the honor system with God and every time we “get away” with something we are allowing ourselves to build up a wall between God and us. 

I think that is why Jesus wanted us to confess our sins out loud.  We cannot be our own referees because the fact that we sin means we cannot be our own judge.  Did you know that the Pope goes to confession.  I am not sure how often, but frequently.  Some of the holiest people I know go to confession the most.  You would think that would be the opposite, but it isn’t.  Not only the graces they receive, but the fact that they have someone to check up on them, that they are not their own judges, they are accountable for their actions, helps them be holy.