Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the 6th week of Easter, May 30, 2025

Delivered by Evelyn from the Parish of the Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Singapore. Acts of the Apostles 18: 9-18; Rs psalm 47: 2-3.4-5.6-7; John 16: 20-23a.DON'T UNDERESTIMATE REGRET Our meditation today is entitled: Don't UnderestimateRegret. For already many times, Sandro, a teenager who was about to enter theuniversity, apologized to his mother as he was saying: "I'm sorry Mama, Iam very sorry for what I did. I promise not to repeat that again". Sandroonly used the money for fun, not for his study in the college. He lowered hishead and hugged his mother. Hopefully Sandro would change. However, anyone who promises to change from mistakesor sins should realize that through regret, the change expected will be the onethat we all want. Regret refers to feeling ashamed, sad, painful, suffering andunpleasant for having made mistakes and sins. Even hatred, anger and dislikefor mistakes and sins are also constituted parts of regret. Someone who regretsmeans he is angry and hurt because of a sinful act made.  So we should not underestimate regret, deny or play funon it. Jesus Christ teaches that we should enjoy when we regret. Every one ofHis followers would weep and be overwhelmed with sorrow over the experience ofdeficiency or inability like the one experienced by Jesus' disciples. This is acommon thing that we always face in this life.  However, the Holy Spirit will comfort us when we arein the midst of trouble and trials. The comfort and help we receive afterregret is also our common experience. We normally smile and get excited again aftergoing through moments of weeping and sadness. But a regret will be the mosteffective one when it is done over sins or mistakes have been committed.  Let us imagine this. There was a mistake made and theperson concerned wanted to repent, improve himself, but he did not want toregret his actions! For example, I stole a friend's money. After admitting thatact, I would return the money and promise not to steal again, but I did notregret my sins of stealing money.  What would happen? I din't have any feeling of shameand sadness. I also didn't feel how sick and lost my friend was. There was nomore room in my heart for forgiveness and respect for others. That is theconsequence if we have no regrets. Truly regretting ourselves will make ourforgiveness sincere, and it will help us not any more tempted to make again thesame mistakes.  So let us say again, don’t underestimate regret. Mayyou and I be among those who consider it positive and important for a regret.Every mistake demands regret. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord, help usalways to have deep regret for every mistake and sin we have committed, so thatwe can truly repent. Hail Mary full of grace... In the name of the Father ...