Fathers Reflection

02-22-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

As it were, God allows us to be tempted in our resolve to do good and avoid evil. But our failures and sins should not lead us to despair and hopelessness. St. Augustine acknowledges human weakness but says that grace is stronger than sin. We can overcome temptations if we know how to pray and flee. We can overcome our hopelessness if we trust Divine Mercy. The message of St. Faustina Kowalska, who spread devotion to Divine Mercy, reminds us of this: to trust in God despite repeated failures. Thus, when temptation starts to grow, just let it go! The best way to stop a fire is to stop it while it is still small and low.

The Gospel reminds us that God allows temptation but gives GRACE. In scriptures, St. Paul says: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind ... God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13) - Temptation itself is not sin, but an invitation to sin. Even Jesus Christ was tempted in the desert. What matters is how we respond. Falling does not mean God has abandoned us. It means we are human. The real danger is despair. In our weakness, we should cultivate: Humility, Dependence on God, and Compassion toward others.

In times of Temptation: Let It Go! The image of stopping a fire while it is small is spiritually powerful. Often, temptation grows in stages: 1. A small thought; 2. A lingering imagination; and 3. Rationalization. In short, it is a choice. The earlier we let it go, the easier it is. So, the practical way is to "let it go."

We go to the cross in the confessional; rise again renewed after confessing our sins. In a good confession, penitents must feel sorrow for their sins or contrition of their souls. Imperfect contrition is sorrow for sins out of fear of the fires of hell or the viciousness of sin itself. Perfect contrition, pure remorse of sin, motivated by the love of God. In all humility, we bend on our knees when we commit sins to ask our Lord for the gift of perfect contrition.

Lent is the Season of Conversion, and "Confession" is one of the best means of CONVERSION. Rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness. (Jo. 2:13) Second, Lent is the (40) forty days period of preparation that builds up the faithful toward Easter. The Lord suffered and died for our sins; the Triduum Liturgy slowly ushers us towards the Glorious Easter and completes the Paschal Mystery of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Why we should go to "Confession" during the Season of Lent: (1) We have all sinned. If we say, "We are without sin," we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 Jn. 1:8). (2) Confession is a Sacrament of Healing. Jesus forgives our sins and gives us the grace to overcome our weaknesses and HEAL the wounds of sin in our lives. (3) Mortal Sins weigh us down and separate our souls from the purity of eternal life (existent) in the Blessed Trinity. Perfect Contrition and the "Absolution" of the priest restore our hearts to a position of love toward God and our neighbors. (4) Confession restores our relationship with God and reunites us with the Church, the Body of Christ. Every sin estranges us from our relationship with God and weakens the universal witness of every Christian. "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" (1 Cor 12:26). (5) Worthy reception of the Eucharist. In the reception of the Holy Eucharist, we receive the True Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The sacrament of Penance strengthens our sacramental union with Christ in the Eucharist.