A few years ago, I sustained a femoral neck stress fracture. Despite pangs in my leg, I continued with my running regime on uneven cross-country routes. Had I listened to my body sooner, I might have spent less time on crutches. Symptoms of pain and discomfort were trying to warn me of something more serious than sore muscles that would heal on their own. Similarly, I think that guilt (although we joke about it a lot as Catholics) can be a helpful symptom pointing to an injury of the spirit. Guilt can be exhausting, leading us to collapse like the people of Israel in today’s first reading. 

Lent offers a time to become more aware of our spiritual fitness, to return to God to “heal our defections.” When I feel burdened with guilt, I find it helpful, though perhaps not always easy, to spend time in honest reflection with God and myself. In doing so, I’m reminded of and comforted by the words from the hymn Come ye Sinners:

"Let not conscience let you linger, 
Nor of fitness fondly dream; 
All the fitness he requireth 
Is to feel your need of him. 
This He gives you, this He gives you; 
'Tis the Spirit's glimmering beam."