We know that if we leave dirty clothes in the laundry basket for weeks, they will start smelling bad. If we leave them there long enough, theyll begin to rot; we wont even be able to put them on. Thats why we do our laundry every week.
Well, in a similar way, God is calling us to wash ourselves every day from the things that threaten to spoil our hearts. He calls us to examine our consciences every day and repent of anything we find there that is displeasing to him. He also calls us to the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that we can be cleansed deeply and restored to his presence. Why? Because our Father wants us to become holy. He doesnt want us just to live; he wants us to thrive and take on his own divine nature!
In todays first reading, Gods concern was not about the peoples sacrifices but about their octaves with wickedness (Isaiah 1:13). He was concerned that they observed eight-day festivals of praise, all the while pursuing sin and injustice. It seems that their times of worship and sacrifices were not changing their hearts and making them holier. They would go to the Temple, celebrate the feast, and then go right back to their wicked ways. God wanted to bless them, but their lack of repentance was blocking them from receiving his grace.
So heres the question: are you walking with an unwashed soul? Even if you go to Mass regularly, its still possible that you have bloody hands that need to be cleansed. If thats the case, then get to Confession! Its not enough just to go to Mass, if there isnt the will to change. Its not enough to say your prayers every day if you arent opening your heart to the Lord.
Go and confess your sins. Disarm them by naming them humbly and openly to a confessor. Then let your heavenly Father embrace you, heal you, and set you on the path toward holiness. He is always ready to open heaven for you so that you can be filled with his power and grace.
Come, Holy Spirit, and transform my heart. Help me take on the mind of Christ.
Matthew 10:3411:1 Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23