One Week. Zero Sins.

 

One Act of Love

We begin Holy Week, the holiest week in the Catholic and Christian calendar. This is the week where we see, in full, the tremendous love that Jesus has for us.

In the Gospel reading, there is one act of love that stands out. A woman breaks a jar of costly perfume and pours it over Christ’s head. This was not a casual gesture. When a king or queen was crowned, oil was poured over their head as a symbol of strength and authority. This woman does exactly that for the Lord.

What does Jesus say in response? “Amen, I say to you, wherever the Gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” One act of love. Remembered forever.

A Challenge Born in the Confessional

A few days ago, during confessions, something came out that was never planned. Listening to that first confession, these words came forward: starting today, the beginning of Holy Week, try not to commit any sins. No sins. From now until Easter.

After saying it once, it felt right. Every person who came to confession that week received the same penance. Now the challenge extends to everyone.

You might say that sounds impossible. It is not impossible. It is difficult. But consider the Act of Contrition that every Catholic prays at the end of confession:

“Oh my God, I am truly sorry for all the wrong I have done. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the occasions of sin.”

We say those words. This week, let’s mean them.

What a Pure Heart Actually Feels Like

Think about what it would feel like to go to bed every single night with a pure heart. Completely united with God. At peace with your soul and your mind.

Most of us do not know what that feels like. That is exactly the point of the challenge. From Palm Sunday to Easter, try not to sin each day. Go to bed and find out what that peace actually feels like.

Is it going to be difficult? Yes. Is it going to be a challenge? Absolutely. But what a beautiful way to show love for the Lord, who in today’s reading showed how much he is willing to suffer, sacrifice, and give for us.

Why We Will Forget (And What to Do About It)

Here is the honest truth about why this is hard. We are going to forget.

As soon as we pull out of the parking lot, someone will cut us off. We will wake up tomorrow morning and forget. We will get to work and forget. We will sit down in the office and forget. We will be with the children and forget.

That forgetting is what makes it difficult. If we can keep the challenge in mind, just remember what we agreed to today, it becomes so much easier to catch ourselves before we slip.

Starting Over With an Act of Contrition

One final note. If there is a slip-up, do not give up. Before going to bed, say an Act of Contrition. That brings you back to zero. Back to a clean slate.

So the challenge is on the table. From today until Easter, try not to commit any sins. Try to go to bed every night with a pure heart. And if you fall, get back up before the night is over.

Amen.