There are signs which indicate the weather is changing and so we must plan accordingly. This is also true spiritually. The spiritual barometric pressure indicates a storm brewing and we must repent accordingly. If we have not let God still the storm inside us, the storm outside us will destroy us. We must settle with our opponent and be reconciled before the storm hits (Lk 12:58). We should repent while we have the opportunity; later, night will come when no man can repent (Jn 9:4).

"Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin. Say not: 'Great is His mercy; my many sins He will forgive.' For mercy and anger alike are with Him; upon the wicked alights His wrath. Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day" (Sir 5:5-8). "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2)

We live now in a season of mercy, but this season will change into a time of judgment, and mercy will be nothing but the lost opportunity of a lifetime. We sometimes take for granted the blood of Jesus and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be a day when confession will be too late. "A time will come when you will long to see one day of the Son of Man but will not see it" (Lk 17:22). Eventually, the Lord will respect our freedom and give us what we want even if that includes eternal separation from Him. The leaves are falling; it's getting colder (Mt 24:12). Repent now.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004