Saint Bernardino Realino by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

Where repented sinners go 

Tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.  (Matthew 21, 31)

Gospel Pearls 14_12_2021

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’. (Matthew 21, 28-32)

St. James the Apostle, affirms in his letter that faith without works is essentially lifeless because faith that bears no fruit, is not authentic. To be saved, it is not sufficient to believe just in the existence of God. Even the devil believes that God exists, but has chosen not do His will. When God judges souls, He goes beyond the labels that are given to those who fall into sin. People scorn others to make themselves feel better. For this reason, all kinds of repentant sinners are in heaven, while in hell there are many who believed they had a clear conscience, but who actually without realising it damned themselves, that is, the proud. Do you think, if you consider your thoughts and works today, you need to ask for God’s forgiveness or do you have a clear conscience?