Why Do We Hide?

A psychologist explained something fascinating about shame: No one can put it inside us without our consent. Shame doesn’t enter from the outside but responds from within. Those who seek to embarrass us more often become frustrated if we refuse their efforts to shame us with words, or the proverbial the slap on a hand. If we accept shame, it’s because deep down we’re already carrying it. Consider this: Adam, who was guilty of disloyalty to Heaven, was shamed by his newfound nakedness. But yet Jesus, insulted, beaten, stripped, and humiliated, remained clothed in honor at the cross. Got shame? We have a sacrament for that.