The Power of Repentance

We have often heard that Lent is not just about sin. Common in the public ministries of Christ and St. John the Baptist is the call to repentance. Every repentant sinner benefits many, for we all belong to the family of God. Many of us struggle to turn our lives around, perhaps due to our attachments or the perceived “benefits” of our sins. And when we do, the battle can last a lifetime, as sanctity is a journey and we are pilgrims in this world. Wallowing in sin diminishes our dignity and freedom. This worsens when we persist in a state of sin—our conscience becomes dull, and worse, we lose our sense of sin and our empathy for ourselves and others. We then become less and less worthy of the dignity of a human person. History is filled with countless examples of this loss of humanity.

The good news is that we have a God who continually searches for us. If God is willing to save us even in our sinfulness, how much more will He do for us when we turn to Him? What if we respond to Him, go to Him daily, speak to Him with love, and confirm our love with deeds? It is wise to take advantage of the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confession. When we receive them regularly, we come to realize that grace abounds and becomes easier to recognize. Virtues develop more quickly, knowing that we stand secure when governed by grace.

Let us turn to the Blessed Mother, full of grace, who will not hesitate to encourage us to go to Confession and Holy Mass so that we may unleash the power of repentance and be led to salvation.