During Lent it is not unusual to hear or read about someone complaining about “Catholic guilt.” Lent being a time of self-examination, it is normal for people to experience guilt and remorse for past transgressions. People experience the pain of guilt. It is normal. But many do not believe it for what it is or want to face up to it. Psychologists identify feelings of guilt as a major mental anxiety affecting mental health. Much could be said here but let’s just talk about the ordinary ways we try to rid ourselves of feelings of guilt. One is to blame another, “I did what I did because of what another person did. It’s their fault.” We make excuses. “I didn’t know it was wrong. Everyone else is doing it.” Or we rationalize, “I don’t believe it’s wrong. If I didn’t do it something bad would have happened.” The bottom line is, we don’t want to face up to the pain of guilt. Guilt is really a wonderful gift. It is part of our being. A gift from our creator. It is an emotional pain not unlike physical pain. When we touch something very hot, we learn from the physical pain not to touch it again. Guilt acts the same way, assuming we acknowledge it for what it is, my conscience telling me I have done something wrong or failed to do what I should have. Blame, excuses, or rationalizations will not make the pain go away. They actually make it worse because we fail to see where the real cause of our pain is located. Therefore, we may turn to alcohol, drugs, food or sex to temporarily relieve the pain. But the pain momentarily gone, returns and remains. Praise be to God, we have the fix, forgiveness! If you are unhappy with yourself, I encourage you to examine your heart about what you may feel guilty about. But first pray about it, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. You will probably experience emotional pain as it comes to the surface. But this is your opportunity to be rid of it. Go to Confession. Your wound will be cleansed, and the medication of God’s mercy applied. This Wednesday beginning at 6:45 PM will be our Lenten Penance service here at St. Libory’s. There will be six priest available to hear confessions. It’s a great opportunity. Don’t pass it up. Yours in Christ our Lord, Fr. Sid