Tears from a heart of stone

I read a wonderful blog this morning by Msgr. Charles Pope* about true sorrow for our sins.

In part, he wrote:

“In times like these, when self-esteem is overemphasized, personal responsibility is minimized, and excuses abound, we do well to ask for the gift of tears. We do well to ask for a profound and healthy grief for our sins.

… Note that these tears are not meant to be tears of depression, discouragement, or self-loathing. The tears to be sought here are tears of what St. Paul calls “godly sorrow.” Godly sorrow causes us to have sorrow for our sins but in a such a way that it draws us to God and to great love, gratitude, and appreciation for His mercy. (2 Cor 7:8-11)”

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned during my dark time was how easily I can deceive myself and rationalize my sins, and how greatly that separates me from God. Like a stubborn child I hid in a dark corner while He waited patiently for me. In retrospect I can see that He even stood guard, protecting me from sliding further away into a deeper harm’s way.

God brought forth water from the rock for the Israelites in the desert.

I pray God draws water from the rock of my hardened heart … that He softens my heart, shows me what He will, and draws forth tears of godly sorrow both for myself and for those around me.

*Msgr. Pope’s post can be read in full here

 

 

 

.

Read Full Post »