Mercy, Mercy, Mercy were the words I used to describe the emphasis of the three readings from the Bible (Ex 32:7-11, 13-14, 1 Tim 1:12-17, and Lk 15:1-32) that were proclaimed at last weekend's Masses.  I also brought up the many ways we have been challenged and blessed during this Extra-ordinary Year of Mercy by our Pope and by the prayers, reading, study and activities we have been afforded during this year.  I also brought up my perception that the number of people, at least in this parish, who are affording themselves the blessing of God's mercy, grace and peace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, has been LESS, NOT MORE during this special year.  Since we have three months left, I urge you to consider coming to Jesus and letting Jesus come to you in this wonderful sacrament.  Just as people generally agree that exercise is good and healthy for us, but so many don't take the first step to begin exercising themselves, so while many (I hope) would agree that the Sacrament of Confession is "good and healthy" for the soul, many of us don' take the first step into the Reconciliation Room.  Any good habit, including a spiritual habit, only happens and keeps going by putting into one's schedule.  I would suggest receiving the sacrament of Confession at least once every two months, and put it on the schedule, as you no doubt do, with doctor's appointments and other things you regularly do.  I will try to help by being in the Reconciliation Room at the times I currently am:  Tuesday through Friday from 8:20 to 8:45 a.m., Saturday from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., and Sunday mornings from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.  In addition, at least until the end of the Jubilee Year, I will be in the Reconciliation Room after Mass until around 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and every Tuesday from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.  Please note which of these times is best for you, and schedule it at least once or twice during the rest of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  Also, please remember what I said this past weekend, it is most important in coming to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to have a contrite heart and a desire to receive and cooperate with God's grace to do better. It is NOT necessary to "remember" all my sins in kind or in number, since many of us now struggle with our memory.  Also, if you feel you are doing well, just profess that so we can celebrate it, and indicate "for any times I have failed in following Jesus and His ways in thought, word, or deed as I should, I am sorry," and we will proceed with a penance, Act of Contrition, and absolution.