We read today that whoever is in Christ is a new creation. But how does that work, and how do we get there? We’ll start with two words: Reconciliation and Lent.
Lent and Reconciliation
Theoretically, we are using the Lenten Season to grow closer to Christ. We are watching our dietary choices (no pepperoni pizza on Friday…go with the cheese only), praying more and/or more genuinely, and are being more generous with our time, talent and treasure. That is how we offer up “fasting, prayer and almsgiving”. But is that all there is?
Reconciliation
Jesus died for all of us, for the good and the ungodly. He has provided a special sacrament, called Reconciliation, to help us become godly when we are not behaving that way. By removing our sins through reconciliation (Confession), we take a giant step towards being godlike, or godlier. Our sins are wiped free, so we get to a solid foundation again. Until we sin again, at least!
Action Plan
Take time this Lent to focus on being godlier, and being one with Christ, like He wants us to be. Lent is sort of like practicing for a big event in sports, in life, at work, at school, or at home. We are preparing for Christ’s resurrection, which is much bigger than all the previous items just listed. Our future in all of eternity is at stake, which is our presence or absence from Heaven.
Take advantage of a penance service or confession this Lent. Catholics are “required” to go to confession once per year, preferably during Lent, so let’s do it. I had a priest friend come to Confirmation class last week, and all the kids were able to make a solid confession. It is tough for the kids to get back to church on a school night, so it made sense for the Father to visit us. The students gave him an “A” rating, so that must have been a good experience for them.
Of course, we will all sin again, but at least we can have our slate totally clean once in a while. Small sins on our soul can lead to bigger and more frequent sins later. Or we become content by doing one sin repeatedly, so why not justify a few others while we’re at it? Let us not give Satan that chance to let us start believing our own lies or helping us justify them. That is sure to lead to an unhappy ending someday.
Remain blessed.
[Readings: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32]
