“For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Romans 7:19).
In these words, St. Paul beautifully captures a struggle we all know: that feeling of wanting to do good, yet finding ourselves falling short. It’s not that we don’t know what’s right; rather, we experience a kind of inner weakness, a gentle reminder of our human vulnerability. And when we stray, we often carry a sense of regret, a deep awareness that we could have acted differently.
Why do we find ourselves in this place? Some speak of “original sin,” but perhaps it’s more helpful to think of it as the weight of ingrained habits, or the subtle pressures of the world around us—the pull of societal expectations, the allure of material things. We sometimes rationalize our choices, or find ourselves caught in moments of weakness.
Lent offers us a gentle path of healing and growth:
- Tender Introspection: Through prayer and quiet reflection, we can begin to understand the deeper currents of our hearts.
- Illuminating Study: Scripture offers wisdom and guidance, shedding light on the paths of goodness and the nature of temptation.
- Gentle Discipline: By practicing small acts of sacrifice, we can cultivate a sense of self-control, and learn to find joy in things beyond the material.
- Loving Service: Reaching out to others in acts of charity helps us to grow in compassion and empathy.
- Building Inner Strength: Lent provides a space to nurture our inner resilience, empowering us to resist temptation.
- Embracing Grace: We are reminded that we are not alone in this journey. Grace and forgiveness are offered freely, supporting us as we strive to grow.
Romans 7:19 reminds us that we are all on a journey, a journey of growth and transformation. Lent offers a compassionate framework to support us on that journey, not toward an impossible perfection, but toward a more loving and virtuous way of being.
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