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Penance
not a punishment
In the season of Lent we are reminded that we are in need of an ongoing conversion. In this season we are called in a special way to an improvement, to reform of our lives, to change of our hearts. Conversion is closely linked with repentance, which is also the basic theme of Lent. Jesus himself said: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:15) Through Jesus, God constantly calls us to fulfill the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37-40; cf. Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18). In other words, our conversion involves the turning of our hearts toward God and care for our neighbor.
Thus during the season of Lent we are asked to do some kind of penance which is supposed to help us. Many people in today’s world, however, have completely lost the sense of penance because they associate it with mere punishment. There is the notion that everybody is “okay” and “nice.” So if “we are good,” why should we be punished? Even more so, “Why should I punish myself? Life has enough trials for us; we do not have to add inflict any additional upon ourselves.” This is the impression people seem to have today regarding penance. Consequently, very few people take penance seriously.
There may be some good intuition in the thought of not inflicting some kind of self-punishment upon ourselves, for it is not punishment – if it is authentic penance. Penance should be rather seen as a way back to God. Our Lord Jesus said: “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you” (Mat 6:17-18). Thus penance is not a punishment! It is more like the physical exercise of an athlete who must make some effort in order to win a race; so must we do the same in order to win the spiritual race. St. Paul explains it in the first letter to the Corinthians: “Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one” (1 Cor 9:24-25). From Sacred Scripture we learn that penance is a constant effort, constant exercise on our part. It is also a time of purification and a way to make room for God in our life. When taken seriously, the three traditional forms of penance - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - restore us into the right relationship with God and our neighbor. We start with God and give God what is due – our heart and our very life; and then we share the gift of faith and grace with others. Therefore we must rededicate ourselves to God so we may do what is right towards others.
Peace,
Fr. Janusz
Fr. Janusz Mocarski
Church of St. Mary
East Islip, NY 11730
fr.yanush@gmail.com
