SORRY, SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD

So runs the Refrain of a popular song by Elton John. It seems that human nature never learns through its mistakes, we have to be victims of our own continuous blunders, day in day out. I seriously doubt the truth of the saying, ‘Once bitten twice shy’. Funnily enough, (or should I say, ‘tragically enough’) some people never learn from their own mistakes. It’s only when it is too late to turn back, that eyes will open to the harsh reality and tragedy of life.

Thank God that Christ instituted the Sacrament of Penance and which is possible for everyone who believes. Penance is known under the biblical term of ‘metanoia’. ‘Metanoia’ means conversion, repentance and inner change. It means a change of outlook. That means that it is of the utmost importance to change one’s thought, one’s ideas, one’s way of judging oneself, one’s outlook, to educate and change one’s conscience … from false to true.

… and this requires courageous sincerity. Let us be frank with ourselves and ask the question: “What must we correct in our secret, intimate, personal life?” This is not an easy question, or rather, the answer is difficult and needs courage because of the mental effort. To change our erroneous and faulty mentality calls for humility and determination. It needs guts and courage to face a situation and admit to your wife, your husband or friend: “Sorry, I apologise, I was wrong’’. This admission of guilt requires a very strong character.

I am a firm believer that a true Christian must be a person of a strong, sound character and of great will-power. A true Christian must inherit that courage and determination of our ancestors who faced the jaws of death in the Roman arenas. Trust in God, and Prayers, will develop one’s character. Who would have thought that Simon Bar-Jonas, a hyper Galilean fisherman, a big-mouthed bully, who swore that he did not know the Christ, would end up as ‘Peter’ and was martyred in defence of the same Christ? The Holy Spirit works miracles.

Would have anyone bet on Saul, the terror of Christians, how he would have changed and ended his life? Not for a million dollars! One should find time to think about many other converts whose life changed from night to day. Who would have thought that the wealthy, happy-go-lucky Francis, the jolly minstrel of Assisi, from a great favourite with all the girls and feastings, would end up as a poor Friar, with no roof on his head. Yet, before his death Francis already had thousands of followers.

The secret formula is Penance; that is to forgive an offence, to overcome a point honour, to avoid violence, to escape from the limelight of life, to be the least among your brethren. For this reason Francis never embraced the Holy Orders and remained a Deacon … he felt himself unworthy to become a priest and hold Christ in His hands. And he did hold Baby Jesus in Greccio. This is a good exercise in Penance and Humility. All this needs courage and a strong character, and follow the tip given to us by Paul (… and Paul was speaking out of experience, he knew what he was talking about): “Be renewed in the spirit of your minds.”

Now is the time, we are during the days of Lent, a time in preparation for the greatest victory all Christians celebrate, “The Resurrection of Christ from Death”. Let us prepare ourselves with Prayer, Fasting and Penance. BUT this preparation should be practiced every single day during our Pilgrimage on earth, and not during the forty days of Lent only, but, also in the 325 other days of the year … whilst we still have the time … before the belfry tolls the knell of parting life.