Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – (Tm 1:15)
If someone does not see his/her sin, he/she is unable to truly receive Jesus' salvation. Recognizing your own sin is a very concrete experience. It is here that you most fully touch the realism of your own life. And realism is most important in faith. That is why St. Paul, who understood the depth of his sin, calling himself the first of the sinners. “But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life.” (cf. 1 Tim 1:16).
The greatest threat to faith is detachment from the truth, escaping into appearances, seeking well-being. This does not only apply to individual people, but also to whole groups that create false structures for the well-being of their members. The danger is very serious, and no one is free from it. Therefore, the sign that allows us to distinguish between true and false faith is not our good thoughts, intentions, but our fruits. The principle " By their fruits you will know them " (cf. Mt 7:16) is fundamental to spiritual recognition. Speaking about this principle, the Lord Jesus presents the tree that bears fruit: a good tree good fruit, and a bad tree bad fruit. And it cannot be otherwise, because it is the fruit that speaks about the value of the tree. This picture is a good reflection of the truth about the human heart. If it is good, it manifests itself externally in the form of deeds. If it is full of malice, it will also come out in behavior, because “from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks” (Lk 6:45), and it must be added that a person speaks not only with his mouth, but with all himself.
The Lord Jesus, proclaiming the Gospel, calling to conversion, wants to change our heart. His word is addressed to our heart. If we only accept them on an intellectual level, we don't understand anything yet, and we get nothing. “For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved”. (Romans 10:10).
Until Tomorrow
fr. george