WEEK 14: “sin and guilt”
The shedding of blood is necessary for the forgiveness of sin for God covered the shame of Adam and Eve through the killing of an animal. And, by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal fount of blood washes away all of our sins.
listen
think
We must not deny the existence of sin for our Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood for us in order for our sins to be forgiven. For sin is in our blood, and the sins of our parents were passed on to us. In order to be forgiven, it is necessary for the Son of God to shed his blood since sin shows us our shame. And our first parents covered their shame with fig leaves that wither and welt. God covered their shame with leather tunics, showing that the shedding of blood was necessary for the forgiveness of our sins. That is why as we read about sacrifice in the old testaments and history – that blood is a sacred symbol that pays the price for sin.
In our modern age, we tend to neglect our sins by rationalizing our guilt. Instead of asking forgiveness first and foremost, we go to a psychiatrist to understand, and maybe even justify, our defects. Although psychiatry is beneficial, we must understand that psychiatric care has its limits. While we may want an explanation for our sins, the most important step is to ask for forgiveness for them Instead of trying to escape our feelings of guilt or attempting to make excuses for our sins, we should kneel at the foot of the Cross and go to a priest for Confession.
pray
For the Redemptive Use of Suffering
O Christ, my Lord, who for my sins did hang upon a tree, grant that your grace in me, poor wretch, may still engrafted be.
Grant that you naked hanging there may kill in me all pride, and care of wealth since you did then in such poor state abide.
Grant that your crown of prickling thorns, which you for me did wear, may make me willing for your sake all shame and pain to bear.
Grant that your pierced hand, which did of nothing all things frame, may move me to lift up my hands and ever praise your name.
Grant that your wounded feet, whose steps were perfect evermore, may learn my feet to tread those paths which you have gone before.
Grant that your blessed grave, wherein your body lay awhile, may bury all such vain delights as may my mind defile.
Grant, Lord, that your ascending then may lift my mind in thee, that there my heart and joy may rest, though here in flesh I be.
St. Philip Huward (1557-1595)
Resource
“Prayer of Christian Consolation” Compiled by William G Storey, published by Loyola Press (Pg. 86)
act
- Do you rationalize your sin? We all sin, and we all must be aware of this Do not rationalize and justify sin in order to avoid feelings of guilt. Rather, repent and ask for forgiveness.
- Do not deny your guilt and say that it is a mental illness, and do not rationalize your sin and blame it on others.
- Do not hide your sins for it can manifest as an abnormal expression of guilt.
Meet Isaac, Our Spiritual Guide for these Reflections
My name is Isaac Padriga. I was born in the Philippines and came to the states in 2006. One of my favorite daily activities is practicing filipino martial arts or Eskrima (fencing). It is basically shadow boxing with a stick 🙂 I enjoy the thoughtless flow of motion while performing and executing the various movements . My catholic faith is an important aspect of my life for it is the truth, mystery and guidance that helps me navigate through the ongoing uncertainties and challenges of the secular world. I also have two dogs, one mixed maltipoo/shih tzu, named Molly, and a mixed australian shepherd/labrador, named Copper. And finally, I also like to put two shots of espresso in my lemonade. -_-
Cal Poly Pomona Catholic Newman Club 