There is no shortcut to true genuine happiness and fulfillment…If we are to live in a world of liberty, equality and fraternity, then believers and non-believers should do just that…over and above our individual convictions but yet,not denying our own differences -Benedict XVI
Truth is: what will set you free.
Why is it so hard to lose ourselves to religion? The readings today made me think about this. In an age where self-identity is king, the most difficult thing is to abandon ourselves to something supernatural, something metaphysical and clearly something we ourselves are not in complete understanding of. The fear of losing who I am can cripple me from truly desiring to be a better person. In an act of resistance, I cling to my old ways and desire to do as I please, even though it is not the best action. It even causes me to sin.
Truth is: When we think about our personal identities, we are called to desire things that help fill the void in our hearts. The void is only something God can fill. We fill it, however, with vice, greed, selfishness and pride. Losing that identity, even though we know it’s wrong, is a terrifying thought. When we do decide to take the leap, we realize that the plunge was refreshing in the end.
The readings for today suggest the importance of fasting and penance for Lent. While I frequent the confessional more than I have ever thought possible, it is perhaps one of the most disregarded sacraments that we Christians take advantage of. Of the two sacraments we are allowed to take more than once (the other being the Eucharist, marriage doesn’t count silly), reconciliation is the sacrament most practiced by Jesus in His ministry. As John did before Him, he told people to change their ways and follow God’s law.
If you don’t understand the purpose of reconciliation, here’s today’s truth: If someone wrongs you and they ask for forgiveness, you are obliged to forgive them if they are truly sorry for what they did. For example, when a child asks him mom for forgive him for breaking a lamp, he feels bad because his mom got mad at him and he feels that he should fix his relationship with his mom. While his mom forgives the child, to discipline him, the mom grounds him for a week. Like this situation, we ask God to forgive us for disobeying His commands. While Jesus’ sacrifice already forgives us for every sin that we have and (will) do, God still needs to ground us so that we will be disciplined. While God has already forgiven us, our relationship with Him is strained. When we go for reconciliation it’s like asking, “I’m sorry. I promise to not do it again. Please take me back. Let’s be good again. I’ll do anything so you’ll take me back.” The practice of penance is just not to ask for forgiveness from God, but it’s to humble ourselves to the Lord and ask Him to discipline us to do good and avoid all evil.
