Is there a more common stereotype than, “Catholic guilt?”
We are actually called to a life of joy, lived in the truth of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, we live in an era of relativism, where truth is said to be a personal choice, or outright denied. C.S. Lewis even said, “When you hate the truth, the truth sounds hateful.”
Guilt, and a conscience properly formed in truth, are the core of our spiritual nervous system.
Guilt is like putting your hand on a hot stove – you quickly become aware something is wrong, and are compelled to do something about it. God doesn’t want you to keep your hand on the stove, just like he doesn’t you wallowing in guilt.
Listen to David writing in Psalm 32…
Blessed is the one whose fault is removed, whose sin is forgiven.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit.
Because I kept silent, my bones wasted away; I groaned all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength withered as in dry summer heat.
Then I declared my sin to you; my guilt I did not hide.
I said, “I confess my transgression to the LORD,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.
Let’s pray – Father of grace and mercy – you long to free us from guilt and shame. Help us appreciate guilt as a call to action, a spiritual hot stove that inspires our repentance and return to the truth of your love. Amen.
This is Mike Kelly with Pray For 2 - two minute prayer reflection on the daily readings of the Church. Listen to them anytime at Prayfor2.com, or on the Redeemer Radio app.