In one moment, a simple harlot, who told us that she destroyed so many lives during for those 17 years of harlotry, became a beacon of hope for the last 1600 years for all those who “miss the mark” in their spiritual lives. In one moment, St. Mary showed us all what it means, to go from living a life like an animal…constantly allowing our passions and desires to get the best of us…to becoming a true Human Being.
It’s the one time that you don’t pray before a meal that the children see.It’s the one time that you don’t forgive someone that they learn to seek venganceIt’s the one time you swear in front of them that they learn those words.It’s the one time that you break the fast-during Great Lent that they hang on to.
…when you came to the Church, you did so with your mind. You made a decision to visit, to learn about the faith, and to embrace something greater than you had ever known previously. Now as your journey begins, while the mind will still no doubt play a role, your attention must now turn to the transformation of your heart, which goes beyond logic.
“Although I know how dreadful my shackles of sin are, I hide behind them with a noble appearance from all who might see. I appear to be robed in the beautiful clothes of reverence, but my soul is entangled with shameful thoughts. Before all who might see, I am reverent, but inside, I am filled with all manner of indecency.”
