Today’s readings have us contemplating thoughts of self-reflection, self-repentance, change and salvation, and speaks of the wicked man who has changed his ways. Well, who determines whether someone is wicked? What does it mean to be wicked, and can wicked people be anything other than being wicked? Most dictionaries define a wicked person as someone who is “evil” or engaged in wrongdoing. Truly, if that’s the definition of a wicked person, then each of us, at one time or another, could fit that description. Each of us are imperfect human beings.
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone was once considered a wicked man, a man who eventually as he journeyed through his own personal life experiences began to have a “conversion.” This conversion turned into thoughts that eventually turned into deeds, which lead him to becoming one of the most celebrated saints of the world, and the patron Saint of our College, our Beloved Saint Francis of Assisi.
The Story of Francis’s “conversion” from Sinner to Saint mirrors today's Scripture writings in many ways. It affirms foremost that our actions are essentially choices we make though our own understanding of the people, places and things around us; of the world around us, and our experiences in this world. The Scripture reading is therefore challenging us to become more reflective of our choices and to turn away from “wickedness,” in this way we have answered the question Jesus has proposed: “Do I not rather rejoice when he (the wicked man) turns form his evil way that he may live?”
In the Gospel reading, we read: “Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” This gospel speaks of human imperfection and “conversion” also. Scribes? Pharisees? How can anyone surpass their righteousness? Often, we like to think of others as being our moral compass, the one or ones whom we revere and who guide us in ways of thinking and doing. Jesus cleverly reminds us in this passage of the contradictions that “we,” even those we hold in reverence, are imperfect human beings. Jesus then calls us to look within ourselves for righteousness, to turn away from “wickedness,” and to have our own “conversion.”.
In the Gospel reading, we read: “Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” This gospel speaks of human imperfection and “conversion” also. Scribes? Pharisees? How can anyone surpass their righteousness? Often, we like to think of others as being our moral compass, the one or ones whom we revere and who guide us in ways of thinking and doing. Jesus cleverly reminds us in this passage of the contradictions that “we,” even those we hold in reverence, are imperfect human beings. Jesus then calls us to look within ourselves for righteousness, to turn away from “wickedness,” and to have our own “conversion.”.
As we journey thorough this Lenten season, may we reflect on own human frailties, and may we strive as our beloved Saint Francis did, to always do better in our thoughts, deeds, words and actions, and may we remember that each of us is that “wicked man” who has the capability no matter how wicked we are, to turn away from wickedness.
Donna Marie Agoncillo OFS, RN, MSN
Clinical Lecturer of Nursing
Beautiful reflection!
ReplyDeleteI’m also a Secular Franciscan and your words remind me of my need for “Daily Conversion.”
It is this message we should keep deep in our hearts.
Thank you for reminder and inspiration.
Pax et Bonum
Tom Holland’59