"The pervasive habit of defining oneself as a victim has become the dominant note in American culture. ‘Mea culpa’ has given way to ‘I am a victim.’” —Camille Paglia, Cultural Critic.
I am a victim to myself on most days; this isn’t sad but empowering.
My grandmother from the Caribbean is Catholic. Whenever I have the chance to converse with her about her life, I hear about a few things: washing clothing in streams, God, and biting.
The Catholic urge to repent is hereditary. My definition of repentance is mea culpa. Often, the things that weigh me down most are things I haven't forgiven myself for. "Mea culpa" is Latin for "through my fault."
Mea Culpa" is often used in the Confiteor prayer, where the penitent confesses their sins and acknowledges personal fault.
Is a prayer for repentance not just a prayer for liberation?
Liberation of oneself from oneself?
The acknowledgment of fault allows freedom. It is relief-inducing because things are not happening to you; the world does not have a personal vendetta against you; you have the upper hand. It’s your hand.
Resentment, victimhood, and blame are alluring and seductive and can seduce you away from your freedoms.
Capacity for mistakes, the capacity of life to fill in the gaps. I would rather repent to myself for doing than repent for abstaining: