Put things right before you ask for forgiveness; Church Fathers: Day 238

Last updated on: March 19, 2018 at 7:32 am by Pete Socks

Put things right before you ask for forgiveness; Church Fathers: Day 238 2018-03-19T07:32:17-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

When St. Gregory the Great was pope, the government in Dalmatia ordained a bishop named Maximus to the See of Salona, setting aside the bishop who had been legitimately elected. The governor of the province wanted to be reconciled with the pope, but Gregory tells him that he can’t expect forgiveness while he’s still participating in the evil.

I have received your highness’s letter, in which you speak of having provoked my displeasure, and of wishing to be in favor with me through direct satisfaction.

Indeed, I have heard such things of your highness as should never have been done by a faithful man. Everyone says that you are responsible for that great mischief in the case of Maximus, and that the plundering of that church, and the loss of so many souls, and the audacity of that unheard-of presumption, can all be traced back to you.

As far as being in favor with me goes, what you need to do is satisfy your Redeemer with your whole heart and soul, and with tears, as becomes you. Until you make satisfaction to him, what good will my forgiveness or favor do you? But as long as I see that you are still implicated in the ruinous conduct of the pretenders, or advocating for those who have gone astray, I don’t see what sort of satisfaction you’re making either to God or to men.

Your highness may know that you satisfy God openly and obviously when you change corruption back to righteousness, and presumption to humility. If you do this, then you may know that you are in favor both with God and with men.

–St. Gregory the Great, Letter to Marcellus, Pro-Consul of Dalmatia

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Just in the past day, what have I done that I need forgiveness for?

What do I need to do to set things right before I ask for forgiveness?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, help me understand the weight of my sin, and give me the strength to put right what I have made wrong.

Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

A Year with the Church Fathers

Mike Aquilina

Saint Benedict Press

Saint Gregory the Great

Previous Post

March 18, 2018

Judge yourself, not your neighbors; Church Fathers: Day 237

Next Post

March 20, 2018 Marry Her and Die for Her

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz