He Goes Ahead Of Us

12 Mar

“Self-denial means knowing only Christ, and no longer oneself.  It means seeing only Christ, who goes ahead of us, and no longer the path that is too difficult for us.  Self-denial is saying only: He goes ahead of us; hold fast to him.”  ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Self-denial is a big part of our Lenten journey.  Sadly, for many of us, self-denial is viewed in terms of the negative.  In other words, we think about giving up the things that we love.  In that context, our self-denial is a burden.  But it doesn’t have to be — nor should it be — viewed that way.

Our self-denial is not a burden because it is not about giving up.  Rather, it is about joining our sufferings to the Lord.  It is about a closer union with our loving God.  It is about growth in spirit by reliance on the Lord.  There is no way that a soul can view union with God as a negative.  It can only be seen as a positive.

That is one of the reasons why we are encouraged not only to give up some of our favorite things during Lent but also to resolve to do some positive good.  If all we do is deny ourselves, we might think of Lent in the negative.  But if we also resolve to do good, we view Lent with a more positive eye.  Positivity always helps people remain true to their quest.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the positives that we have available to us.  So many people view confession negatively.  They are ashamed or embarrassed to go to confession.  They don’t want to focus on their sinfulness.  But the sacrament is not a negative one.  It is, by its very nature, positive because it is one of the opportunities that we have to receive grace.

If we can go somewhere and get grace, forgiveness, and healing, well, that should be a no-brainer for us.  By embracing self-denial, positive good, and reconciliation, the soul receives everything it needs.

FAITH ACTION:  Saturdays, at most parishes, are days of opportunity for confession.  Go to confession today if you feel that you need to do so.