Good News Inspiration for Daily Life
Bulletin Insert for March 14, 2021
Description: The 4th Sunday of Lent is a good time to ask: Why do we prefer to conceal our sins rather than face them and go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and speak about them out loud? It’s Jesus who meets us in the confessional, appearing to us in the form of a priest who’s sworn to secrecy. In the Gospel reading (John 3:14-21), Jesus assures us that he did not come to condemn us. It is safe to come into the light where our sins are exposed.
Guilt is a good motivator for repentance, and regret motivates us to change, but low self-esteem triggers shame, which says that we are undeserving of forgiveness. Shame makes us even more afraid to face the truth about our sins. However, God’s image of you is not poor: He sees what is wonderful about you. He says you do deserve forgiveness. He wants to replace shame with joy.
Ideas for use: Bulletin insert for the 4th Sunday of Lent, adult education, Lenten faith sharing groups, RCIA class, etc.
Lenten resources for individual, private use can be found free on our non-profit site, Good News Ministries.