Spiritual Corner - Heartfelt Desire and Contrite Repentance Can Atone Iniquity

God says, “Within the limited span of one’s life, endurance of suffering cannot compensate for one’s iniquity, but enduring sufferings with heartfelt desire, love and contrite repentance can. The atonement of sin does not come from suffering, but from the earnest desire of the soul. Through my only son, the nailed Christ, all the desire of the soul and virtuous conduct will bring forth life and become worthy. The only worthwhile way is to receive his love and follow him through righteousness.” So, suffering can atone sinfulness is through the unity with my sweet love; this love comes from knowing my goodness, a contrite heart of repentance, knowing oneself and admitting one’s sins. This knowledge makes one aware of his own sinfulness and sensuous desires, regret and disdain wickedness; accept his punishment and unworthiness of reward. So, the sweet truth says, “Look, those who ardently repent, genuinely pursue endurance, truly humbling themselves, accepting punishment and feeling unworthy of reward, will patiently endure all kinds of sufferings.” Therefore, you will understand the true meaning of atonement.

Yours,
Fr. Matthew Wang
<Excerpt from “St. Catherine’s Dialogue, Chapter 4>