6th Sunday Year A

Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Matthew 5:17-37

Do I know my sins?

My brothers and sisters, have we reflected on our sins? While we all acknowledge ourselves to be sinners, not many of us actually acknowledge our specific sins. Why is this the case? We are about to commence on our Lenten journey, our seven-week preparation period for Easter. To set us on the right frame of mind, this week, God invites us to reflect on our sins.

So, what is it that I have done that are sinful? Many of us either don’t care, don’t want to know or genuinely don’t know. Consequently, as we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we do so without an adequate examination of our conscience, and consequently without a fully contrite heart. As a result, the Sacrament is often reduced to a routine, stripped of its power to heal, the power to restore and the power to truly reconcile us to our loving God. So, why do we find it hard to reflect on our sins?

The first reason is, we lack sufficient spiritual formation. Without spiritual formation, we become spiritually ignorant. The truth is, for many of us, we are not always aware of our sins. We may know the literal meaning of the Commandments, but we do not know how they apply to our actions. Jesus gave us a few examples in the Gospel this week. On killing, while we may not have physically killed or hurt anyone, Jesus says, “if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.” (verse 22) On lust, while we may not have committed a sexual act outside marriage, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (verse 27-28) On lying, Jesus cautions us against the withholding of information and ambiguous languages: “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (verse 37)

It is important that we seek knowledge and instructions on our faith. For this reason, the teachers of faith bear a great responsibility. Jesus said, “But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required” (Lk 12:48). This is even more so for teachers to little children – and these include many of us who are parents of young children. The foundation we lay for these young ones will serve them a lifetime. Conversely, the foundation we fail to lay will leave them without moral anchors as they navigate life. In the Gospel this week, Jesus said in no uncertain terms, “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 19) Elsewhere, Jesus says, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt 18:6)

To elaborate on the obstacle of ignorance and the importance of formation, in the Second Reading this week, St Paul made a distinction between the wisdom of this world and God’s wisdom. Earthly wisdom is not true wisdom. To attaining happiness, the world teaches us to be self-centred, to amass wealth and power at all costs, and to focus only for ourselves. This was the attitude of the people when they crucify Jesus. They became blind to the evil of their act and the love Jesus have shown them. In the words of St Paul this week, “None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (verse 8) What about me? Have I devoted time to my spiritual formation? Do I engage in regular prayers, Bible study and contemplation? Do I take on Jesus’ teachings, reflect on my life and examine where have I fallen short? And if we have not, in truth, we too have crucified Jesus, and we do so often. For each time we sin, even in ignorance, we crucify Jesus. And when we read these words of Jesus as He hanged on the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34), in truth Jesus is praying for me too.

Another reason we find it hard to reflect on our sins is pride. We often apply double standards when considering our own sin – we are harsh on others and lenient on ourselves. We need to be more objective and apply the same stringent standards on ourselves. Many of us find it uncomfortable to face up to our wrongdoings. So, we deny, justify or avoid altogether. In so doing, we are making a conscious decision to turn off our conscience and continue to sin. In the First Reading, the prophet Sirach wrote, “He has not commanded anyone to be wicked, and he has not given anyone permission to sin.” (verse 20) In other words, to sin is our choice and ours alone. This week, God invites us to reflect on those sins that we are most ashamed of and have buried deep in our consciousness. Have I done something immoral? Have I betrayed someone? Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing? Do I bear grudges against someone? Do I find it hard to forgive? If so, let me come to Jesus. He understands, He forgives and He heals. And until I am able come to Jesus with a contrite heart, I cannot be healed and be truly joyful.

Another obstacle is apathy. And this is perhaps the most common reason we find it hard to reflect on our sins. While we may come to church or even go to confession regularly, these have become routines. God have given us the Sacrament of Eucharist and Reconciliation for our healing and for us to attain true joy. But we have not responded in an adequate way, reducing these graces to mere routines. As Sirach wrote in the First Reading, “If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.” (verse 15) It comes down to choice. It is our choice whether we let pride, ignorance and apathy become obstacles to us attaining holiness.

Let us conclude our reflection this week with these words of St Paul: “Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given.” (verse 17) Let this thought continue to awaken our spiritual consciousness. Amen.