god, repentance, and alzheimer
"I will forgive their evildoing, and their sins I will remember no more." —Hebrews 8:12
Scripture tells us: "The vengeful will suffer the Lord's vengeance, for He remembers their sins in detail" (Sir 28:1). For those who have committed to an ungodly lifestyle, God forgets their good deeds (Ez 18:24) and remembers their sins.
What a difference it makes in God's memory when we sincerely repent of our sins and live that new life of holiness God has for us. Then God forgets our sins (Ez 18:22) and remembers our good deeds (Heb 6:10; Mt 10:41-42). "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He put our transgressions from us" (Ps 103:12). "He pardons all [our] iniquities" (Ps 103:3). He casts "into the depths of the sea all our sins" (Mi 7:19).
After the prodigal son repented, he tried to tell his father of his unworthiness and sinfulness (Lk 15:21). The father, like our heavenly Father, was so deeply moved with love over his son's new, clean soul that he responded with joy and delight, seemingly paying no heed to the son's attempt to list his sins (Lk 15:22). It's no accident that the first word spoken by the father of the prodigal son is "Quick!" (Lk 15:22) As soon as we repent, God the Father is quick to forget our sins, quick to change the subject, and quick to celebrate and rejoice (Lk 15:32). Repent now, and watch God forget now.
Prayer: "If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness" (Ps 130:3-4).
Promise: Jesus "named twelve as His companions whom He would send to preach the good news." —Mk 3:14
Praise: Despite her young age of perhaps thirteen years, St. Agnes faced her martyr's death with extreme calm when her vow to virginity was threatened.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004