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REPENTANCE


 

 

SINNERS

God would not indeed threaten the winner unless He was infinitely willing to pardon the penitent. Let no one, therefore, despair of the vileness of a sinful soul as to believe that God hath no need of him. The Lord willeth not that one such should perish. Even those of little worth and the least are divinely and lovingly sought after. Lo, in the Scriptures, even the piece of silver is searched for and, when found, is shown unto the neighbors. The poor sheep, albeit carried back on the stooping shoulders of the Shepherd, is not burdensome to Him. And over the veriest sinner that repenteth, the angelic choir rejoices with an infinite gladness.

St. Pacian 

 

* * *

"I came to call sinners to repentance," this He said to the Pharisees in irony, as when He said: "If I were hungry I would not tell thee." It was as if He had said: "I am so far from loathing sinners that even for their sakes only am I come." Then, lest He should unwittingly make anyone careless, He added always "repentance" to the word sinner. "For I am not come that they should continue to be sinners, but that they should change and repent." 

St. John Chrysostom

 

* * *

 

God hears sinners. But if you are afraid of that which is said in the Scriptures, "We know that God hears not sinners," let fear and belief in this be far from you, for he was blind who said it. Therefore, believe rather Him who said -- and who lies not-- "Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow."

If God hears not sinners, what hope do we have? If God hears not sinners, why do we pray, and publish the record of our sin, as did the publican in the temple, by the beating of our breast? Assuredly, God does hear sinners; but He answers those only who call on Him in truth and sincerity of heart and in holiness.

St. Augustine

 

 

 

 

(01-22-03)

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The Winnowing Fan hopes ..." to do what little it could to solve the evils that beset the church."

                                                                                        - Teresa of Avila

 


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