Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 / Matthew 23:1-12
The feeling of guilt can weigh heavily on a person and can even slowly squeeze the life out of the person.
More so when this feeling of guilt is often aggravated by other people who keep harping on the guilt.
It is strange and yet not so strange that people tend to glee and gloat over the guilt and the wrong-doings of others.
Which might make us recall this amusing and yet truthful phrase : When I do the right thing, no one remembers. But when I do the wrong thing, no one forgets.
It stems from the tendency to make oneself look big by making others look small.
Yet in life, we have to admit that we make mistakes at one point or another.
And when we do something wrong, we don't need reminders. Reminders only make the guilt heavier
What we need is compassion and forgiveness.
In the 1st reading, God gives us a reminder. It is a reminder not of our sins, but of His compassion and forgiveness when He said : Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow ; thought they are red as crimson, they shall be white as wool.
Jesus came to untie our burden of guilt and shame with His compassion and forgiveness.
With the power of His love, Jesus frees us. Let us in turn also untie and free others of their guilt and shame.