Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Great Lent is a time of change and transformation, an opportunity to grow in Christ so that we might come to emulate Christ. This holy season is built upon the pillars of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving or Charity, yet another important tenet of the Great Fast is repentance and the cleansing of our soul. This is accomplished first by recognizing and acknowledging our sinfulness; understanding that this behavior not only goes against God but is detrimental to our soul and body. It also poses a significant stumbling block that impedes our way towards salvation. Thus, with fear and trepidation, we dare to approach God Almighty to admit our guilt and seek forgiveness through the sacrament of Confession.

Sadly, in today’s day and age, sin is not a popular topic. In our world it has become so persuasive that we are desensitized to evil, and most are hard-pressed to notice, let alone acknowledge it. 

Sinful behavior and the general lack of morality have become normalized, tolerated, and albeit “accepted.” Therefore, any emphasis placed upon addressing one’s sins appears negative because it challenges us and does not make us “feel good” about ourselves, it hurts our already diminished self-esteem.

Yet, sin is a reality in our fallen world, a reality just as certain as the law of gravity itself, and if gravity can be challenged, so can sin.

Imagine a newborn child, now place them on the floor. The infant can’t do much but lie there because it is a victim of gravity. Its muscles are not yet strong enough to exert the force needed to challenge it. But eventually, through time, the child begins to develop its muscles, and it lifts its head, arches its back, moves its arms and legs, and then… rolls over. Soon the child begins to pull, scoot, and crawl; then lifts itself up with the help of furniture, and finally, to everyone’s joy and amazement, stands alone and begins to walk, teetering at first, but then with surety and purpose.

Just as a child learns to deal with and overcome the limitations placed upon us by gravity, so can we overcome sin, and in the exact same way. At first, we feel helpless against its’ forces, but if we exercise and develop our spiritual muscles through rigorous self-discipline, prayer, and fasting, we can learn to rise and walk with God.

Fr. John