The Call to Repentance
In the journey of life, many people often stray from the path God has laid out for them. Yet, no matter how far one wanders, God’s call to repentance remains constant. The key is genuine repentance. Repentance is not merely feeling sorrow for sins committed; it is a complete turning away from sin and a sincere desire to return to God. This is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son which can be read in the Gospel of St. Luke 15:11-32, where the father’s joy in welcoming back his repentant son reflects Almighty God’s infinite mercy.
Conversion of the Heart
True repentance leads to the conversion of the heart. This conversion is a transformative process, renewing your relationship with God and making sure your will in in accord with His. In Ezekiel 36:26, Yahweh promises, “I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and will give you a heart of flesh.” This divine transformation is essential for God’s people to fully embrace His love and grace.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus help remind us of Christ’s boundless love for humanity. This devotion encourages the faithful to reflect on the depth of Christ’s love, which is most vividly expressed in His Passion and Death on the Cross. As Jesus said to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, to whom He revealed His Sacred Heart, said, “Behold this Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify its love. In return, I receive from the greater part only ingratitude, by their irreverence and sacrileges, and by the coldness and contempt they have for me in this sacrament of love…. I come into the heart I have given you in order that through your fervor you may atone for the offenses which I have received from lukewarm and slothful hearts that dishonor me in the Blessed Sacrament.”
Scriptural Passages on Returning to God
The Bible is replete with passages that invite us to return to God. In Joel 2:12-13, the Lord implores, “Now therefore saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil.” Similarly, in the New Testament, James 4:8 assures us, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners: and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Practical Steps to Return to God
- Prayer and Sacraments
Regular prayer and frequent reception of the Sacraments, particularly Confession and the Eucharist, are vital in nurturing one’s relationship with God. - Examination of Conscience
Regularly examining your conscience helps identify areas of sin and weakness, prompting you to seek God’s mercy and amend your ways. - Spiritual Reading
Engaging with Scripture and the writings of the saints can deepen your understanding of God’s will and inspire you to live a holier life. - Acts of Charity
Demonstrating love and compassion to others reflects your commitment to living out the Gospel values in your daily life.
Finding one’s way back to God consists of a journey of humility, repentance, conversion, and embracing the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It requires a sincere turning away from sin, a transformation of the heart, and a deepened devotion to Christ’s love. As you heed the call to return to God, you can be assured of His infinite mercy and boundless love, guiding you back to His loving embrace.
Always remember the words of Psalm 50:9 {51:10}, “Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.” May this be your constant prayer as you seek to renew your relationship with the Lord and find your way back to Him.
Seraphim Michael
Visitation of Our Blessed Lady
Tuesday, 2 July 2024
