Guilt can be unhealthy.  It can lead to a degradation of one’s self that can become absolutely morbid.  The depression brought on by unreasonable guilt has driven many to ineffectiveness or even madness.  God does not want us to live with this kind of guilt.  Jesus died to release us from this guilt if we will let Him.

On the other hand, recognition of our limitations, yes, even our own sinfulness, is necessary to proper and healthy functioning.  Without the recognition, that “I am a sinner in need of a Savior”, we humans tend to take on an arrogance in our thinking by which we see ourselves as god-like.  Before long we “worship the creature instead of the Creator” (Romans 1:25).  That arrogance will not only keep from us our fullest potential but from salvation as well.  When it comes to being all we can be and all God made us to be, a little humility goes a long way.

This is what Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent is all about.  It is not a time of beating ourselves up and putting ourselves down.  It is a time of facing the fact that we are flawed but we can be fixed.  If it is facing the reality that we are sinners but we have a Savior.  It is a time to engage in the healthy exercise of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He can exalt us to a new position we could never obtain by ourselves (1 Peter 5:6).  Human pride is a prison.  The exercises of this season remind us that there is a way out and that Way’s name is Jesus. 

I believe that the act of the imposition of ashes is a good reminder for us.  The “giving up” of something during Lent is a good exercise for us to participate in.  But more important than these physical acts is the inward recognition that looks heavenward and says “Jesus, You are right.  Without You, I can do nothing” (John 15:5).  

I believe we all want to continue to grow and to move further into our God-given destiny this year.  But know this, human arrogance will anchor us to where we are.  Repentance releases us forward.  Let Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent liberate you.  A little humility will take us a long way.

Have a Blessed Lent,

Fr. David A. Barrett