“Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.” – John 8:31-42
During this time of Lent, I hope to grow to appreciate the gift of reconciliation. It is only then that I feel like I recognize my sins in front of God and get redemption. Jesus allows us to take this gift and be free, not only free from guilt but also free from the guilt of sin. For a long time, the guilt had trapped me and I couldn’t see the value in confession because it was hard for me to forgive myself. But after accepting God’s forgiveness and the sacrament of reconciliation, I see that I am called to be free. The freedom that comes from forgiving myself, God forgiving me, and being a daughter of God who is loved. I can no longer let sin define me, being loved by God is my real identity.
Take this time to reflect on God’s love for us and help His love fill our own self-love. That with this love, we find freedom and peace from the worries of the world.
– Karla Hernandez