In his book, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, Dr. Edward Sri gives some excellent advice on tested and true ways of not giving into temptation to sin. The first suggestion he makes is to simply pray. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer. Short phrases like, “Jesus, help me.” And “Jesus, I belong to you.” Puts God right into the middle of the struggle. The temptation to sin has been stopped.
Another suggestion he makes is to speak the name of Jesus. There is great power and grace by simply repeating his name. By calling on the name of Jesus, our attention is quickly shifted from temptation to sin to living in holiness. Another suggestion is to make the sign of the cross. Even our non-Catholic brothers and sister know the prayer as we draw the cross on our bodies. “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
While I practice these things regularly, Dr. Sri also stated what I’ve known since childhood and our Church teaches. Turn to your Guardian Angel. “Angel of God, my guardian dear, through whom God’s love commits thee here. Throughout this day be at my side, to love to protect, to rule and guide.” Our guardian angel is always with us and will not let us give in to sin if we ask his help.
Dr. Shri concludes with this advice, to acknowledge our weakness to God and then relay on his goodness and grace. I think that even if we sin, we have a loving and forgiving God who has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While we can turn to Jesus at any time to ask forgiveness, and experience forgiveness during the Penitential Rite at the beginning of mass, often it is necessary to go to confession. In confession we speak our sins out loud, ask God’s forgiveness, promise to do better, and receive forgiveness and advice. Healing often begins by being humble enough to speak our weaknesses, so as accept forgiveness and become right with God. It is sad that more of us don’t take advantage of the grace given in confession.
Some advice I received about going to confession is that we don’t have to give details. Even the priest is not interested in them. Just name the sin and ask for forgiveness. Promise to do better, and do the penance given. Practice any advice given. God’s grace will do the rest.
I hope all of you will join us in the No Greater Love Lenten series each week after the 9:30 am mass on Sundays, beginning February 22.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
