Grace Above Human Weakness

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, February 26th, 2023:
​The First Sunday of Lent

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Romans
5.12, 17-19

​Brothers and sisters: Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, so death spread to all people, because all have sinned.

If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all people, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all people. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

This passage from Romans reminded me that our imperfections are made perfect again through Jesus who died for us. It’s a liberating reminder to lessen how hard we tend to be on ourselves, knowing that Jesus has the power to transform our hearts. I have many times in my life fallen victim to self-criticism and the tendency to be overly hard towards myself. It can be a temptation to live your life in a mindset where we consider ourselves constantly coming up short – but we must realize the grace and beauty that come in a life with Christ and the sanctifying grace of reconciliation. 

I, like so many people, found confession to be largely unpleasant when I was younger. You must be so vulnerable and so open – especially when talking with a man (priest). However, I have had some beautiful experiences in confession that remind me of the power of this sacrament and how it can bring us into heightened intimacy with Jesus. 

I have learned in time that vulnerability in confession is a gift, and priests who have devoted their lives to serve the Church don’t need to be feared. 

There have been instances where priests have become untrustworthy and betrayed the trust and vows they took at their ordination. In those instances, we must act justly and expunge the sin and hurt they have caused; however, we need to not let the pain impact how we see the beauty of the sacraments. 

This passage from Romans reminds me that the pain does not dilute the fact that the battle is already won and Jesus reigns above all. I have all my faith in Jesus and His ability to heal hearts and redeem the world.

Praying for you all.




Theresa Langley

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