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| A tree on the walk between the VA hospital and Saint Leonard's Church |
"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
"There is a season for everything under heaven" and that includes Penance. Shortly after I was ordained I realized I didn't understand that word. It is core to my identity as a priest, Franciscan friar and Catholic and yet -- 37 years later -- it still illudes me.
Penance has do with regret for one's sins and the hope for forgiveness. It must include a willingness to atone for wrongdoing, especially one's own wrongdoing. And, given that we are social, historical creatures, a willingness to atone for one's heritage.
Penance is joyous and grateful. It begins with the realization that God has chosen me. I have neither earned nor deserved his grace but He has given me this opportunity.
But there is no opportunity worthy of the name which is not a challenge, and Penance is most certainly challenging. I must take up the cross the Lord has given me, daily and gratefully, and follow where he leads.
Gratitude is the hard part. Sometimes I can only say the words "thank you" and hope the effort counts for something.
The best formula I have for penance is this: I am not God. Thank God.
Remembering that God is still in charge! and I am not gives me the freedom to live as his son and beloved. Remembering that Only God is Good I can drop the pretense and acknowledge my unworthiness and my sins.
Finally, remembering that God offers me deep and passionate forgiveness, I remember that sin is, By Definition, forgivable.
This mystery is an endless vortex for contemplation and we have six full weeks to ponder it!
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.