compared to what?
"If the miracles worked in your midst had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have reformed." —Luke 10:13
Our responsibility for our sins and our responsibility to repent are related to the graces the Lord has given us, for example, the miracles He has done in our midst. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48).
Most of us reading this have been given the very greatest graces. Almost all of us are baptized. We have become new creations (Gal 6:15; 2 Cor 5:17). We are royal, priestly, and holy (1 Pt 2:9). God even lives in us, and we in Him (Jn 17:23; 6:56). Most of us are awesomely privileged to receive the body and blood of God. Under these circumstances, it is obvious that we have a very great responsibility to respond to God's graces and to repent.
Nevertheless, as we are about to accept God's call to repentance, we are tempted to compare ourselves with others. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum could have compared themselves with Nazareth. They seemed to have greater faith than did Nazareth, because Jesus did more miracles in them (Mk 6:5-6). Satan can so confuse us that we use our blessings as an excuse not to repent rather than an indication of a greater responsibility to repent.
Don't compare yourself with others, but compare your life to the graces God has given you. Then repent.
Prayer: Father, may I repent and live by Your standards.
Promise: "He who hears you, hears Me. He who rejects you, rejects Me. And he who rejects Me, rejects Him Who sent Me." —Lk 10:16
Praise: Julia is often tempted to compare herself unfavorably to others, but fights the temptation by focusing on the gifts God has given her.
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003