We go through life with sinful patterns and blind spots. The sins we are aware of are symptoms more than causes. We hardly become conscious of our deeply rooted sins. God in His mercy delays giving us the wages of sin. In the meantime, how can we be convicted of sin and set free?

Many times the Lord convicts us by His extravagant love. He loves us so much He almost embarrasses us into repentance. Jesus gave Peter the biggest catch of fish he ever had (Lk 5:6), which meant a lot to a commercial fisherman. Peter was shocked. He saw the great contrast between God's lavish love and his own apathy and lukewarmness. Peter recognized his sinfulness and fell at Jesus' knees (Lk 5:8).

Jesus was crucified for the crucifiers. He died in such a way that the centurion repented and declared, "Clearly this Man was the Son of God!" (Mk 15:39) Jesus loved Matthew, the penitent woman, Zacchaeus, and others like us into repentance. He respected us and ate with us, and loved us even when we didn't love ourselves. The more He loves, the more we may notice our need to repent.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006

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.