Today we read about second chances. We are not held to our past or our past decisions forever. We can change. If we’ve made a mistake, we can make it right and move forward in a positive direction. In fact, if we have made a mistake, if we are heading in the wrong direction, we should fix it. I recently edited a wonderful book that deals with relationships, Cupid on Trial by Brian Jory. All the characters in the book are struggling with relationships and how to connect. Like all of us, they make mistakes, and hope they are not defined by that or tied to it. One character says he “made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean he is a mistake.” And we see that same idea in today’s readings.

In our first reading from Ezekiel, God says that the wicked should turn away from sin and do what is right and just. Just because one has previously made a mistake does not make that person a mistake. There are second chances in life. God will acknowledge our conversion and react accordingly. But the opposite is true too. We cannot sit on our laurels. A virtuous person who turns from righteousness and acts in an evil manner will be held responsible for those actions as well. We have the choice to do good or to do evil. But if we make a mistake or we start off on the wrong track, we can change our path, and change our lives.

But there’s a responsibility that goes along with that. We are held responsible for our choices. We should use our powers for good instead of evil. And we cannot make justifications. We need to own up to our mistakes and make the appropriate changes. In the gospel Jesus says that we cannot act only to the letter of the law, but instead must go to the intent. We can’t say, well, I never actually killed anyone so I haven’t done anything bad. But what if we wished the person dead? What if we held animosity for that person? We need to examine our actions and our motives. Where have we made mistakes, and what can we do better. We are not mistakes, and we can change our lives for the better.