“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:10)

One of my struggles is that I sometimes try to earn my way into Heaven. Now, stick with me for a second.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t strive to live the Beatitudes that Jesus teaches us in today’s Gospel. Absolutely we should! And John tells us in the second reading that everyone who has hope in Christ makes himself pure, as He is pure.

But I think sometimes I get things backward.

I try to do good things, serve others, live the way Christ teaches us, and avoid sin. And that’s what we’re supposed to do. But when I stumble, and believe me, I do, I can get pretty disappointed in myself.

Sometimes forgiving ourselves is the hardest part.

I know in my head that God forgives me when I sincerely repent and seek His mercy. I know that’s what the Church teaches. But do I really believe it in my heart?

Because if I’m still struggling to forgive myself, am I really accepting the forgiveness God offers me?

That’s what made the words from Revelation stand out this morning.

“Salvation comes from our God.”

Not from me. Not from my good works. Not from how perfectly I live the Beatitudes. And certainly not from how hard I am on myself when I fail.

It comes from God.

Now, that doesn’t mean our actions don’t matter. They absolutely do. We’re called to cooperate with His grace, turn away from sin, and strive for holiness.

But I wonder if sometimes, in my desire to be better, I forget just how merciful God is.

John reminds us today that we are children of God. Think about that for a second. We are His children, loved by Him even though we aren’t perfect.

And perhaps part of growing in holiness is learning to accept that love and mercy, not just in our heads, but in our hearts.

So my prayer today is that I continue to strive to live the Beatitudes, to seek God’s forgiveness when I stumble, and to truly accept His mercy. Lord, help me remember that my salvation comes from You, not from me.

If God has forgiven you, are you still holding on to something you need to surrender to His mercy?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 | Psalm 24:1-6 | 1 John 3:1-3 | Matthew 5:1-12a