“It is not enough to remove the arrow from the body. We also have to heal the wound caused by the arrow. It is the same with the soul. After we have received forgiveness for our sins, we have to heal the wound that remains through penance.” — Saint John Chrysostom
Yesterday I talked about the disparity between sin and penance.
It’s a deep topic for a variety of reasons, and I don’t want to mistakenly convey something incorrect about how the sacrament works.
So I wanted to share this quote from Saint John Chrysostom.
Because maybe it’s important to understand where penance falls and what its purpose is.
And I don’t think I need to say anything more than what Saint John Chrysostom has said.
The arrow is removed—that’s forgiveness.
But the wound still needs to heal—that’s penance.
Not to pay back what we owe. Christ already did that.
But to heal what sin has damaged.
Let us pray.
Lord, we thank You for the gift of forgiveness. Give us the patience and faithfulness to complete the penance You’ve given us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
