"We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday and fear for tomorrow." Fulton Oursler, the famous author of The Greatest Story Ever Told, penned these words.
I have to admit, Mr. Oursler has hit upon a most important insight. Often, individuals do feel stuck on their journey. They are not happy where they are. They don't want to change. They seem content to say: "Life has no meaning for me."
With a little probing,
we find out that this lack of movement is about some unresolved past fear, a vision they had of themselves that didn't happen, or just plain wasted years. Yet, they won't risk changing the situation because they don't know the outcome. They are crucified between the two thieves that rob them of life: Regret for yesterday and fear for tomorrow.
Lent is a time of personal change. It is a season for soul searching and to turn away from
hurtfulness and turn toward helpfulness. From any indecision, disciples need to hear Christ's word of deliverance: "Today you will be with me in paradise." No better words can release us from our self-made crucifixions. De Sales reaffirms this when he writes:
"We must not yield to discouragement ... but very gently put our hearts back into the hands of the Lord... renewing our resolution."
A Reading from Psalms 95:8
If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts;