Prison of Innocents

by Maria Hanna

Have you ever read about a criminal that was released just because he confessed being guilty? It may sound strange, but let me relay to you this story.

Once upon a time, a French king decided to honor his dear guest. He gave the guest the right to release any prisoner from Tolone's prison. Accordingly, the guest asked the prisoners about the reasons why they were imprisoned. To his surprise, many prisoners stressed their innocence and their perfection. Others claimed that the surrounding circumstances were to be blamed for their wrong deeds. While listening to their claims, the guest cast an eye over a silent prisoner sitting in the corner with his eyes bearing tears. He approached this man and asked him about his guilt.

The prisoner replied,"Lord, my guilt is more than I can bear, I am lucky, since I deserve more than my current penalty."

The guest said, "You have to get out of here as soon as possible. A criminal should not remain among innocents."

Dear friends, I admit that such a story would rarely happen in our days. However, such a scenario always occurs in our relationship with God.

If we stubbornly insist on playing innocent and insisting that devilish desires are to blame, we will remain in the sin prison of innocents. But if we, with kneeling body and contrite heart, repent to the Lord and ask Him to control our attitudes-- He, with His unlimited mercy, love and forgiveness--will embrace our lives and release us from this deceptive prison of innocents. No bribes nor mediation is needed, just true repentance.