Penance: A Mighty Weapon in Time of War

 From Mind and Spirit:

Fr. Zeller reminds us that there have been many entreaties for public penance in “our own time,” by way of various crises, and by direct pleas from the Pope and Our Blessed Mother. As I rested in my recliner, reading this tiny book that came to me unbidden, I was amazed by these timely words, “God uses natural means to bring about His supernatural plan, and it looks very much as if the world has been asking for punishment.” It’s not absurd to think of God punishing the world, “He’s done it before, with much the same sword. Threats of war, famine, social and economic collapse,” natural disasters, deadly plagues, and closed churches. These trials will often bring the world temporarily to its knees. 

Penance is not limited to a particular liturgical season. It is also not limited to inside of our churches, or in our homes. As a matter of fact, Fr. Zeller urges public penance. “If we listen, he says, ‘we will hear the refrain repeated time and time again…, but we do not listen. We are still dancing on the shore with our backs to the waves.’”

It is time to take formidable action, but what can we, as individuals or families do? Begin by “listening;” turn around, face the mighty waves crashing upon the shore, the waves of abortion, the breakdown of the family, the loss of society’s moral conscience, so-called Christian politicians supporting laws atrocious to God’s commands and designs, shocking sinfulness and hate and lack of Christian charity on every front. God will use His sword of punishment, if we do not unsheathe our weapons now—our mighty swords of penance! 

For those of us needing a refresher course in penance, I provide the following for your assistance as you arm yourself for battle. Penance is a three-pronged weapon, forged of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These three elements express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, and the practice of charity… ‘covers a multitude of sins’ (James 5:20). Conversion is accomplished in daily life by…concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right, the admission of faults…, fraternal correction, examination of conscience, (joyful) acceptance of suffering, and endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one’s cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance.” (CCC, paragraphs 1434-1435) (Read more.)