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When you look around at the religions of the world, you will discover that the desire for the forgiveness of sins is a universal human concern. The pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, as well as our own folk religions, all share the goal of pleasing God and offering sacrifices to atone for the offenses committed against Him.
St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews testifies to this, saying, “Down through the ages, people have been offering blood so that sins may be forgiven.” I am sure that if I were to ask you, “Why do you attend Mass practically every day?” a significant number of you would reply, “So that my sins will be forgiven.” However, because of Jesus Christ, our focus is not solely on seeking forgiveness for our sins. Instead, we gather primarily for thanksgiving.
Wouldn’t it be more beautiful if, when asked, “Why do you attend Mass? Why do you offer the Eucharist?” you responded, not with “Because I have so many sins,” but with “Because I have been blessed so much”? As Christians, we should participate in the Eucharist, not primarily for the forgiveness of sins, but because we have received so much and are so happy, with many reasons to celebrate.
That is why we want to celebrate as often as possible. I am not saying there are no sins, but rather that there is something more important than sin. What is more important than sin is the fact that you are blessed. Regardless of what others say, you are blessed and called by God, who has showered you with even greater blessings. That is why we must offer prayers and sacrifices, not predominantly for our sins, but because God is so good and we have already witnessed His goodness. This is also what the Gospel teaches us.
In the parable of the sower, where is your focus? Do you concentrate on the wasted seed, the seed that landed on the footpath, or the seed that did not grow or bear fruit? Please remember that although some seeds were wasted, many more were productive and fruitful. The parable of the sower is not for us to focus on the wasted seeds; it is for us to focus on the hundredfold harvest.
We ask the Lord for the grace to think positively and to consistently say and think good, positive things. To think well of ourselves and others is the key to happiness.
BLESSING AND SACRIFICE
Heb 10:11-18; Mk 4:1-20
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