As Lent nears its end, we become more mindful of our sins. We have promised to renew our hearts throughout this season. We have accepted a spirit of penitence. The elect, who are preparing for baptism at Easter, have received our prayers in scrutiny rites that purify their intentions and turn their hearts more firmly toward Christ.

At this stage of Lent, we may be even more aware of our sin. Perhaps we have not been completely faithful to our Lenten resolutions. Perhaps we feel more strongly the difficult challenge to overcome bad habits that have taken years to form. Lent offers promise, but is sometimes causes discouragement.

Sin is no stranger to the human condition. But sin is not our natural condition. Through Baptism, we are children of God. Saint Paul tells the Romans not to feel disappointed by their experience of sin, because the Spirit of God is much more powerful. “If Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.”

God’s Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. The same Spirit dwells within us. The same Spirit gives life to our bodies prone to death. If Lent has made us more aware of our sin, it should also make us more aware of God’s love. God’s Spirit reaches us, holds u, and lifts us high - in spite of our sin.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2004, Archdiocese of Chicago