Last week I wrote about “guilt” and was surprised at the volume of response. The next day I decided to continue the vein of thought by presenting a related topic, “forgiveness. ” Which would prove more popular? It was closer than I expected, but guilt was the clear winner as far as the numbers go.
Yes, we are preoccupied with guilt. It flogs us, berates us, blindsides us, manipulates us, fools us, brings forth false piety, and worst of all, can drive a wedge between us and our loving, forgiving God; our loving, forgiving God who only wants us to acknowledge our sinfulness and accept His healing graces.
As Catholics, we have the sacrament of reconciliation to facilitate this healing and strengthening. I personally have participated in this sacrament more in the last year than I did in the previous few combined. It’s still not a habit, but I seem to be called to it with more urgency. Why, because I’ve stepped up my sinful ways? Not necessarily. Probably more like an awareness of my need for that soothing balm of love and grace that accompanies it. I’d humbly recommend you try it.
Yes, it can be humbling. But it’s not fatal. Just fateful.
Peace.
~Mr Ed Catholic
