| March 2025Dear Companion of St. Anthony, I don’t think that it is too much of a stretch to compare preparing to enter the Lenten Season and preparing to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. One of the traditional prayers the minister prays while putting ashes on the foreheads of those approaching is “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” Reflection on one’s sinfulness can for many be a downer, but there is another way. If we really focus on Jesus as he’s revealed to us in Gospels, then observing Lent and going to Confession are fitting ways to express that we are people of hope. As author Ruth Burrows writes: “An awareness of our sinfulness is part of holiness; you simply cannot have holiness without it for it is the inevitable effect of God’s closeness. This is why sorrow for sin is never morbid or depressed; for it carries with it the certainty of forgiveness” (Living Love and Our Father, 145). Remember Peter’s reaction to Jesus’s closeness after the great catch of fish (Luke 5:8)? Let’s recall once again this Lent the teaching of Christian compunction. This is the principle expressed by Burrows which helps us understand the true nature of conversion of heart for followers of Jesus Christ. Compunction holds together both humiliation and joy, sorrow for sin – maybe embarrassment to be caught in the act once again – which is grounded in confidence. Again, the truth is that recognizing our sinfulness implies God’s closeness. This reminds me of the saying: “‘God loves us exactly the way we are. But because God loves us, He doesn’t want to leave us that way!” With our great patron Saint Anthony to help us, let us turn more confidently to our saving Lord this Lent. Let us acknowledge that he reveals our sinfulness to us so we can turn totally to him praying for His merciful help… and change. A blessed Lent to you! Peace,  Friar Gary W. Johnson, OFM Conv. |
