Regardless of age, we have become familiar with words such as lockdown, isolation, handwashing, masks and two metre distancing. After all, it was the only topic being talked about in mainstream media for the past few months! As I sat contemplating the phrase “two-metre distancing”, thinking what the world would be like if this situation was to become permanent, a thought came to my mind – “Did we keep sin at a two-metre distance during this lockdown period?” Upon deep reflection I concluded that sin was, in fact, closer than I had thought. On many occasions, I did things that I should have never done. I had plenty of time, but I had become so lazy! I spent too much time watching television, neglected my prayers and even at times ignored the presence of God. My heart had in fact, strayed away from Jesus.
I suppose some of us, especially children, may have had this type of experience since we did not have to attend schools or colleges. We may have spent more time playing games or watching television, sometimes disobeying parents and elders. Parents might have had no time to check on us because they had been busy with their work. We might have stayed up later than we ought to have and woke up late in the morning. All our routines could have been ruined. Sin, the uninvited guest, would have been much closer to us. Our eyes and ears may have been shut to what Jesus had to say. Did I wear a mask to prevent sin from entering my soul or did my washing techniques fail in my spiritual life? Many such questions have arisen that need to be answered.
For those of us who did not keep a two – metre distance to sin, the good news is that we can avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, now that our Churches have re-opened. Let us examine our conscience and run to the confessional,asking God for mercy and forgiveness, just as the prodigal son ran to his father saying, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. “Yes, dear friends, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Once we truly repent of our sins, then we can start listening to God’s voice which says, “And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’ (Isaiah 30:21)”.
by Matilda Dominic