Last week I wrote about Spiritual New Year's resolutions and encouraged the practice of participating in at least one week day Mass not only during the Lenten Season but all year long. I wish everyone could talk to those who participate in weekday Mass to hear what a difference it makes in their spiritual life and their life as a whole. If you do something like play golf or tennis or work out at least twice a week, how about participating in Mass at least one more time than is obligatory by the Church.
This week I would like to write about more frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a possible New Year's resolution. A few days ago, one of my nieces called me and eventually asked me to speak to her boyfirend about "Why Catholics confess to a priest" instead of just going to God for forgiveness. While I didn't speak of all the reasons Catholics are strongly encouraged to receive the Sacrament, I did indicate to him that our sins are rarely "just" against God. Not only can our words and actions harm another person or person, it also makes "The Body of Christ" less than it is called to be, healthy and growing in virtue in the Lord. When we "Confess" to the priest we are receiving Reconciliation with God and The "Body of Christ" and thereby making the Body of Christ healthier and better able to give witness to the Lord. Knowing that what you confess to a priest WILL NOT be shared with anyone and the reality that the priest is there not to scold us, but to help us to break the habits of sin with his counsel and with the grace that comes from God to avoid sin in the future.
While we are blessed to be above the average in those who participate in our Advent and Lenten Reconciliation Services, the reality is that many more than that don't seem to avail themselves to the Sacrament at all in an average year. More than a few times Jesus urged his disciples to humble themselves and so be lifted up by the Lord in spirit and in other ways. If you are going to the Sacrament now twice a year, how about committing to go four times a year during each of the four seasons of nature. If you are not going at all, consider starting to go at least during Advent and Lent, when if you choose, you can receive forgiveness through the instrument of a priest that you don't know. I can provide an examination of conscience to anyone who requests one and trust me, I and most priests can and will help you with the mechanics of receiving the Sacrament and will not chide you if it has been a long time since you received the Sacrament. I am always open to sharing what i believe is one of the true treasures of our faith that is so useful in helping us to be saintlier and more secure in the love of the Lord and prepare us for the banquet feast of heaven.
This week I would like to write about more frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a possible New Year's resolution. A few days ago, one of my nieces called me and eventually asked me to speak to her boyfirend about "Why Catholics confess to a priest" instead of just going to God for forgiveness. While I didn't speak of all the reasons Catholics are strongly encouraged to receive the Sacrament, I did indicate to him that our sins are rarely "just" against God. Not only can our words and actions harm another person or person, it also makes "The Body of Christ" less than it is called to be, healthy and growing in virtue in the Lord. When we "Confess" to the priest we are receiving Reconciliation with God and The "Body of Christ" and thereby making the Body of Christ healthier and better able to give witness to the Lord. Knowing that what you confess to a priest WILL NOT be shared with anyone and the reality that the priest is there not to scold us, but to help us to break the habits of sin with his counsel and with the grace that comes from God to avoid sin in the future.
While we are blessed to be above the average in those who participate in our Advent and Lenten Reconciliation Services, the reality is that many more than that don't seem to avail themselves to the Sacrament at all in an average year. More than a few times Jesus urged his disciples to humble themselves and so be lifted up by the Lord in spirit and in other ways. If you are going to the Sacrament now twice a year, how about committing to go four times a year during each of the four seasons of nature. If you are not going at all, consider starting to go at least during Advent and Lent, when if you choose, you can receive forgiveness through the instrument of a priest that you don't know. I can provide an examination of conscience to anyone who requests one and trust me, I and most priests can and will help you with the mechanics of receiving the Sacrament and will not chide you if it has been a long time since you received the Sacrament. I am always open to sharing what i believe is one of the true treasures of our faith that is so useful in helping us to be saintlier and more secure in the love of the Lord and prepare us for the banquet feast of heaven.