FIGHT OR FLIGHT
It takes a lot of courage to own up to one’s mistake. People err, but ownership is a different story. Although there is an awareness of the infraction committed, we usually have difficulty owning up to our mistakes because of fear.
Fear makes us choose between fight and flight. It makes us avoid things which we think would harm us. It also makes us immobile, preventing us from making decisions for fear of its consequences. But fear could also push us to fight the peril we expect to confront, face the uncertain, and do our responsibility to avoid liabilities.
The most logical thing to do when a person commits an error is to fix it. But because facing the consequences involves fear, a person might just leave it as it is or forget that it ever happened. With self-imposed animosity, what started as fear may grow evil roots and turn into pride.
Jesus speaks of humility as a way to liberate us from our sinfulness. According to Sirach, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord.” It is when we own up to our sins that we are justified. “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” says the Lord. Owning up to our sins is an act of embracing our inadequacy, shortcomings and an act of oblation before our Savior. This is a bold step in welcoming the Lord into our lives and giving Him full control of it.
Yes, everyone commits a mistake, but not all own up to it. Let us ask the Lord to help us reconcile with ourselves and embrace our being despite our inadequacies. After all, the Lord came for us, sinners, that we may find our way home. Fr. Sonny Cotiamco
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you have secret sins that you have not confessed and repented of? What’s keeping you from availing of the sacrament of reconciliation now?
God is waiting for you. God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.
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