“Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord.” –Isaiah 1:18 In our secular humanistic culture, many people, even Christians, have unformed and deformed consciences. They have not been “trained by practice to distinguish good from evil” (Heb 5:14). “One sees in them men without conscience, without loyalty, without affection, without pity” (Rm 1:31). These people commit many serious sins, but do not feel guilty because they are so spiritually blinded and immature. However, this condition of serious sin, minimal guilt, and undeveloped consciences will not last indefinitely. Reality finally sets in, and they come to realize that they...

“Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate.” –Luke 6:36 Today’s readings speak of an ever-increasing awareness of sin. Sin eventually results in being “brought very low” (Ps 79:8). Nations and people that rebel against God (see Dn 9:9) will eventually reap the harvest of sin, that is, disaster and death (see Rm 6:23). The measure that rebels measure with will eventually be measured right back to them, as Jesus says (Lk 6:38). In the secular culture, to stand up against sin and immorality is considered an act of “hate.” Yet it is not love to allow (or even encourage) a...