Excusing Sin
Before you begin: Please read the Introduction — How to Practice the Gospel Exercises
Reflection on (Luke 13:2–5; Matthew 9:12–13)
Prayer
Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart so that I may not lie to myself or look for excuses for my sin. Teach me the humility that can admit my own weakness, and lead me on the path of repentance that brings healing in Christ.
Amen.
Reflection
People have always tried to find a reason why bad things happen. When, in Jesus’ time, Galileans died in a tragedy or the tower of Siloam fell, many believed it was God’s punishment for some particular sin. But Jesus challenges this idea:
“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? By no means! But unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” (Luke 13:2–5)
Sin is not a problem that belongs to “other people.” It is universal—it touches every person. The greatest danger of sin is not only that we commit it, but that we justify it and fail to see our own need for conversion. As long as we focus on the faults of others, we miss what matters most: the call to repentance that God addresses to me.
In Matthew 9:12–13, Jesus speaks clearly: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick… I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners.” Whoever considers themselves healthy does not seek a doctor. Whoever thinks they are righteous does not feel the need to repent. But the spiritual life begins when a person stops making excuses and says: “Lord, I need healing.”
Jesus quotes the prophet: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” God is not looking for empty religious gestures, but for a heart that allows itself to be healed. Sin is not only the breaking of a rule—it is a wound in our relationship with God and with people. And repentance is not only regret—it is a return home, into the Father’s embrace.
Each of us is a patient in God’s eyes, not a judge over others. Christ is not only a teacher, but above all the physician of souls. He did not come to condemn us, but to save us. Yet He can save only those who admit they need help.
Discernment
Let us reflect: Where in my life do I excuse sin—with words like “everyone does it,” “it’s not that bad,” or “I have my reasons”? Where do I close my eyes to my weakness instead of bringing it to Christ?
Let us recall concrete situations when we compared ourselves to others in order to look better, or when we settled for superficial gestures instead of sincere repentance.
In prayer, let us ask Jesus to give us the courage to admit the truth about ourselves, to stop looking for excuses, and to open ourselves to His mercy.
Resolution
In the coming week, I will practice consciously not making excuses for my failures. When I notice a weakness, instead of an excuse I will entrust it to God in a short prayer:
“Lord, You know that I am weak. Forgive me and heal me.”
In this way I will learn to live in truth and in the freedom of God’s mercy.
Prayer
Our Father…