Daily Inspiration

“Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.” -Matthew 14:1-12

Herod, like many of us, is plagued by the sins of his past, holding on to them, refusing to repent or change his errant ways. But for those who are baptized into Christ, they are given the sacrament of Penance, so that we may confess our sins, and leave them at the foot of the Cross.

To confess our sins is to hang on the cross like the good thief. It is to profess to Our Lord, “You have done nothing to deserve this torment brought about because I am a wretched thief. Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”

To confess our sins is to believe Jesus will forgive us. The only unforgivable sin is to falsely believe that God, in all His power and glory, cannot forgive your most grievous sin. Jesus even would have readily forgiven both Herod and Judas during His Passion if only they had asked. How much easier, then, is it for Christ to forgive you and your sins, and say, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Blessed Jane of Aza, pray for us.

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Jesus, I trust in you.