The season of Lent is the annual time of preparation for Holy Week and especially the celebrations of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We need these 40 days to prepare for such great celebrations.
Throughout Lent, we remind ourselves of the reality of sin as part of that preparation. Several years ago, when asked in an interview to describe himself, Pope Francis replied simply, “I am a sinner.”
That is a description for all of us because each of us has moments of sin, greater or lesser.
Unfortunately, in our broken humanity, we get accustomed to or comfortable with sin. Lent calls us to shake off our complacency and join again more fully to Christ and our Catholic faith.
It is a traditional practice during Lent for one to take on some positive act of charity or prayer. Alternatively — or better, at the same time — it has been a Catholic practice to “give up” something good during Lent. Both of these actions help us to understand better the nature of sin and forgiveness.
Sin is not simply breaking one of God’s rules. Each sin is, at its heart, a repetition of the actions of Adam and Eve. Whether in a matter venial or mortal, every sin involves choosing myself over God.
Each sin, however, has two consequences. The first is that by sinning we place ourselves farther away from or, in the case of mortal sin, at total odds with God’s love.
But the second consequence is to do earthly damage to ourselves and others. Every sin distorts the sinner.
By committing small sins we open ourselves to committing greater ones. At the same time, in our offense against others, creation, or even in private sins, we distort the harmony of relations that God intended. Think, for example, of how many flourishing friendships have been decimated by sin.
When seeking forgiveness then, after expressing sincere repentance, we first turn to God. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, through the ministry of the priest, Jesus forgives our sin. By God’s generosity, we are made right with Him, in view of Jesus’ death on the cross.
But the damage to ourselves and to the harmony of human relations still remains. It is still necessary to do penance or expiation for our sins.
We need to engage in acts specifically intended to repair the earthly and spiritual damage of sin. That is why we undertake the spiritual disciplines of fasting, abstaining from meat, or taking on extra prayer or charity during Lent.
That is especially why Lent is an appropriate time to reach out to others with whom sin has strained our relations.
An old pastor once gave this example. Suppose I am playing catch in my yard. At some point, I recklessly make a throw that breaks my neighbor’s window.
My first obligation is to go to his door, ring the bell, admit my fault and apologize. Because my neighbor loves me and my family, because he wants us to be friends, he accepts my apology. He forgives.
There is still, however, the matter of the broken window. That is the damage, even after forgiveness, left from my act.
I have a further obligation to see to repairing that window. On a spiritual level, that is the meaning of our Lenten penances.
Please, come to confession during Lent. Seek that forgiveness of God. How loving He is that no sin is beyond His willingness to forgive, to “forget” for all eternity the evil we confess.
But do penance as well. Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, or something from your own situation? The choices are endless. But the goal is the same. Drawing close once more to God and seeking the harmony flowing from His love.
Once again, don’t forget the diocesan effort entitled, “Be Reconciled.” On April 5, the final Wednesday before Holy Week, our parishes will hear confessions throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check your parish for details.
Once more, I invite all to come. The times are extended to make it more convenient for you. I invite you especially if you have been away from confession for a long time. Our priests will be waiting.
Even more, Christ will be waiting.
The forgiveness of sins and the repair of our souls make Lent a wonderful time each year.