Regrets
Herod had regrets. He beheaded John the Baptist. Is Jesus the resurrected John? Herod knew what he did was wrong. Out vain pride and a super ego, he beheaded John. Now he is fearful of Jesus, the one who could forgive him his sins and restore him to God. But Herod cannot bring himself to humble himself to ask for forgiveness.
Sometimes we hear people express the desire to die with no regrets. I don’t think this can happen. It is a wonderful thought, but I think all people have regrets.
We can all remember times when we should have made a better choice, should have been more compassionate and understanding, or just have listened to God to begin with.
We must pause and remember that when we go to confession God forgives all of our sins, and then forgets them. But as humans, He allows us to remember them. Not to chastise or demean us, but to encourage us to learn from past mistakes.
Here is where we need to change our lives, our way of thinking. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. To become a better person. We do not want to sin, but God can make good things come even from past sins.
Know what? I am happy that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He does not change. He will forgive me every day if I but turn to Him with a humble spirit and a contrite heart. Just because it is Friday He will not forgive my sins. No, He wants us to turn to Him so we learn to discipline our lives and live in love.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen