Temptation, Sin, and Guilt

by David Lins  |  03/01/2020  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Lent is beginning, so naturally the readings focus on temptation and sin. The first reading explains how sin entered the world. The responsorial hymn confesses our sin and asks God for mercy. The second reading describes how Jesus removes our sin. And the gospel shows Jesus resisting the temptations of the evil one.

As I read through them, I can’t help but think of the reputation our beautiful faith has in the secular world: a place you go to have guilt dumped on your head. And then they ask for money.

If it wasn’t tragic, it would be funny.

The truth is that we are the most Biblical Church on the planet (which makes sense when you stop to remember the Holy Spirit wrote it using our hands). As the Catholic theologian (and convert) Scott Hahn puts it: “The Mass is soaked in Scripture.”

I won’t address the money question again this week, except to say Christ’s followers were instructed to go out preaching the Gospel, bringing no possessions, and living off the generosity of those they encounter. This is how parishes are run. Biblically.

Moving on to guilt.

Guilt is a good thing. Much like a cough or a runny nose is a manifestation of physical illness, guilt is a manifestation of spiritual illness.

A common phrase I hear in today’s culture is, “You’re only human. It’s okay.” Instead of confronting sin in the mirror, seeking reconciliation, and accepting Christ’s forgiveness, ignoring guilt conveniently cuts Jesus forgiveness out of the picture. We settle for sin and no longer resemble our Father, who art in heaven.

We need to remember the Catholic Church doesn’t mix up a cauldron of guilt and serve it up to us. Rather, it recognizes its existence and reminds us of its purpose: to recognize our illness and point us to the Great Physician.

In the end, you can continue to ignore that cough, but it won’t get better on its own. Please. Go to the hospital.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.