a clean weep
"Begin to lament, to mourn, and to weep." —James 4:9
"There is an appointed time for everything" (Eccl 3:1), including a "time to weep" (Eccl 3:4). Because of pandemic, unrepented sin, now is the time to weep. Let our "laughter be turned into mourning" (Jas 4:9). The Lord through His Church will command us again: "Yet even now, says the Lord, return to Me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning" (Jl 2:12). There can be hope in tears, for "sorrow for God's sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Cor 7:10). "Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing" (Ps 126:5), for "there will likewise be more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent" (Lk 15:7).
Today, let us make acts of contrition, that is, acts of sorrow and hatred for sin. There can be hope in weeping. Weep as Jesus wept (see Lk 19:41).
Prayer: Father, may I see sin as You do.
Promise: "Whoever welcomes a child such as this for My sake welcomes Me." —Mk 9:37
Praise: St. Rita lost her husband and sons to death. Abandoning her life to Jesus, she served Him as a religious sister.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Pray for Revival, order, listen to or download our CD 56-1 or DVD 56 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2017
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