Guilt, sad to say, makes the world go round. Guilt is possibly the principal motivating force behind our economic system. Guilt dictates how we spend our time and money. Guilt rules supreme in our society. Our guilt will crush us; we will collapse under its weight unless we turn to Jesus. The Lord wants to stomp on our guilt and drown it in the depths of the sea (Mi 7:19). Jesus shed His precious blood and died on the cross to wash us thoroughly of our guilt and cleanse us of our sins (Ps 51:4).
If we confess our sins to God and one another, we are forgiven, healed, and set free from guilt. Sometimes we go to Confession and still feel guilty, especially in the area of sexual sin. This may indicate that we are trying to take control of our lives. For example, children, simple folk, and the poor rarely have excessive guilt because they live in situations where they cannot control but must trust. Those who feel compelled to control, those who have to understand everything, those who have planned for their retirement and insured their insurance policies – these people are prime candidates for crushing guilt.
Give up guilt for Lent and for life. Give the Master charge of your life.
| PRAYER: | Father, let it be done to me according to Your Word (Lk 1:38). |
| PROMISE: | "Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." –Mk 12:29-30 |
| PRAISE: | For several decades, Rico has read the Bible daily – on his knees. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College