Today’s blog is by Sister Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.
They had weighed him down with fetters,
and he was bound with chains…. Psalm 105:18
The shackles and chains that held Joseph Captive when he was enslaved are symbolic of whatever keeps us unfree. What might those shackles and chains be? The list is unending. Some of the shackles include: always needing to be right, constant self-pity or self-doubt, blaming others instead of taking responsibility, endless criticism, refusal to leave the painful past behind, happiness at other’s misery, continual fretting and worry, arrogant put-downs and opinions, and ungrateful heart, avoiding forgiveness, thinking only of oneself. Whatever keeps us from being at peace, and from accessing our innate goodness — this is what chains us and holds us captive. Lent focuses on breaking these shackles, on freeing us to be people of deep and lasting love.
What shackles do you wear? What will you do to break these chains and become more loving?
Spirit of freedom, help me sever the shackles that bind my heart, that keep me from being my best self.
We used it last Ash Wednesday at our family dinner. Thank you Sister Rupp.
Visit Sister’s blog at: lasalettejourney.blogspot.com