Catholic Word of the Week

(Maybe this recurring feature should become the "Catholic Word of the Month" in light of the long duration between posts...)

In the spirit of the Lenten season: the Catholic Word of the Week is PENITENCE.

Rev. Peter Stravinskas offers several definitions in his edition of Catholic Dictionary.
(1) Spiritual change that enables a sinner to turn away from sin; (2) [t]he virtue that enables human beings to acknowledge their sins with true contrition and a firm purpose of amendment; (3) [t]he form of amendment or expiation.

The process laid out by those points is essentially thus: the Holy Spirit enlightens our mind and heart to our sinfulness; we become sorry for our sins that have offended God and we resolve not to do those things again; we are assigned a Penance by the priest who hears our confession, which serve as the "consequence" of our actions.

Throughout the period of six weeks from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, Christians should use this process to guide them closer to Our Lord. Being penitent, which is usually expressed through sacrifice during the season (giving something up or adding an additional spiritual practice) leads us deeper into God's life.

What is the point of all this? By the time the Easter celebration rolls around, you (yes, YOU!) should be more holy than when Lent started.

Perhaps we should incoporate this concept into our lives throughout the year.... Ahh yes! The Church already teaches that!

So, be penitent and do penance!

God Bless.

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