Seize the Mitzvah

Mishna:
Someone who did not offer the chagigah (peace offering in honor of the festival) on the first of Yom Yov, may offer the chagigah throughout the festival even on the last day of the Yom Tov of Succos (Shemini Atzeres). If the festival passed and one did not offer a chagigah, he is not responsible for it.

[In other words he missed the boat and can no longer bring the chagigah for the festival]

Concerning this situation (failing to bring a Chagigah) it is said: A Crooked thing can not be straightened and a lack cannot be counted. R'Shimon ben Menasys said: What is a "crooked thing that can not be straightened"? This refers to one who cohabited with an ervah (forbidden sexual relationship) and gave birth to a Mamzer.

[What the Mishna is saying is that someone who brings a Mamzer into this word has a physical reminder of his transgression. Unlike someone who Robs and can make-up for the sin, this sin can not be reversed (as we will read below) NOTE: In the times of the Mishna, a Mamzer was restricted to who he could marry. See Rambam Hilchos Isurei Binah 15:1]

If you say that the verse refers to someone who steals or robs, that can not be the meaning as he is able to make the matter straight. [By repaying what was stolen]

R'Shimon ben Yochai said: One is not called crooked unless he was straight at first and then became crooked. And who is this? This is a Torah Scholar who forsakes the Torah. [As opposed to someone who transgressed as they didn't know any better]

[Gemara later in Chagigah 9b goes on to say:]

This was taught in a baraisa: A Crooked thing Can not be straightened: This refers to one who Omitted the reading of the Morning Shema or the reading of the Evening Shema or one who omitted the morning prayer. And the Lack cannot be counted: This refers to one whose friends were counted to do a Mitzvah, but was not counted with them.......Any Torah Scholar who forsakes the Torah, Regard him like a Bird wandering from its nest, or a man who wanders from his place [A man who committed adultery]

[What the Mishna is saying is that there are times when you just can't make up the mitzvah. That being the case, we must all be mindful of the mitzvahs we are obligated to do, and seize the opportunity at once! So don't forget to say the Shema twice daily as you can never make up those mitzvah points lost! Seize the Mitzvah!]

- Chagigah 9a