While we mourn our sin during this time of Lent and focus on our sinfulness in light of God's Law, we must not let mourning turn to brooding or hopelessness. Lent is not a time of self-deprecation, a time to 'beat ourselves up,' or a time to resolve to 'do better next time.' Such feelings miss the point entirely. While we do dwell on our sinfulness in these days leading to Holy Week, we must do so in hope and in light of the great mercy which God lavishes upon us in Christ Jesus. As St. Cyril taught to his catechumens in Jerusalem many years ago:

God is loving to man, and loving in no small measure. For do not say, "I have committed fornication and adultery. I have done dreadful things, and not once only, but often. Could He forgive me? Will He grant me pardon?" Hear what the Psalmist says, "Oh how abundant is your goodness, O Lord!" Your accumulated offenses do not surpass the multitude of God’s mercies. Your wounds do not surpass the great Physician’s skill. Only give yourself up in faith, tell the Physician your ailment. Say like David, "I said, I will confess my sin unto the Lord," and the same shall be done in your case, which he says immediately following, "And you forgave the wickedness of my heart." (First Catechetical Lecture)

This Lenten season, consider your sins, but do so as one living in the light of God's mercy. Do so not as a child fleeing from a parent's wrath but as as one grateful for the forgiveness we find when we flee to the cross. Do so not as a mourner crushed by your sins but as a hopeful penitent comforted by Christ.

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