Even the righteous sin

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9: 9-13)

Those who feel righteous before God think that they do not need Him. They do not feel the need to ask Jesus for forgiveness, predisposing them to go to hell. Feeling truly sinful is the first sign of conversion to God. Obviously, one must then ask for forgiveness and resolve to flee the near occasions of sin with the aid of God's Grace. Reflect carefully on your thoughts and actions today and be careful not to feel at ease with God. Because even if you always go to Mass, this alone does not protect you from committing many other sins.