SAINT BRUNO, PRIEST (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

For we did not heed the voice of the Lord, our God. 

Do you ever watch a movie or TV show and get caught up in a plot twist? Is the protagonist going to make it? you wonder nervously. But then you remember that, generally speaking, the good guy always survives in the end. Knowing this helps you enjoy the movie without feeling too worried about the outcome.

In a similar way, the author of today’s first reading lets us know right from the beginning how the story ends. We find out how the exiled Israelites responded to the words of the scroll that Baruch read to them: they “wept, fasted, and prayed before the Lord” (1:5). Knowing that their prayer of contrition and confession results in the people’s change of heart and conversion, we can read today’s passage with a sense of relief and hope.

The confession of sins, written by the prophet Baruch for the people to recite from their hearts, does not mince words: “We did not heed the voice of the Lord, . . . but each one of us went off after the devices of his own wicked heart, served other gods, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, our God” (21, 22). Baruch tells the people to be very clear in acknowledging how their choices have turned their lives upside down before they then ask God to deliver them.

Do you know that you can be just as straightforward with God? You can be honest with him about any ways in which you’ve ignored his voice or chased after fleeting pleasures. Then, as you receive his mercy, you will be able to follow him with more freedom, joy, and peace than ever before.

So don’t be afraid to face up to your sins. It’s the first step in growing in holiness. Then bring them to the Lord in all honesty. As you do, remember that you already know the outcome! You know that Jesus will lavish his mercy upon you and will forgive you as you come to him.

“Jesus, thank you for leading me as I confess my sins and receive your mercy.”

Baruch 1:15-22
Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9
Luke 10:13-16