I'm off today. The first thing on my to-do list: clean my filthy car. It's covered with pollen, mud, and love-bugs. However the outside is luxurious in comparison to the interior: energy-drink cans, dirty clothes, paperwork, and possibly even a dead animal... To be honest I've gotten used to the mess. I'm cleaning it because I'm embarrassed of what my wife will think.
The next thing on my list: go to confession. Like our cars, sometimes we get used to the dirty mess in our own spiritual lives. The trash in our heart. We need a spiritual washing. We are embarrassed of what's inside. We are embarrassed of what others will think if they find out. My brothers, that's why Christ gave the Church the sacrament of reconciliation, "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld'" John 20:21-23.
Imagine how great you feel after you wash your car. It shines and shimmers. Now imagine if you ran your car through the wash and it restored your vehicles newness- no matter how beat up or dinged it was. That's what the sacrament of reconciliation does for your soul! When you leave the confessional, your soul shines and shimmers and angels sing praise to God for your confession and for your restoration!
Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in confession; in confession there is a chance for mercy.-St. Isidore of Seville
Don't be embarrassed! Even if you haven't gone in years or even if you went last week- GO! It will give you peace and healing.
Here is an examination of your self to use before you go to confession. Click here.
PRAY:
Oh my God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong And failing to do good,I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
The next thing on my list: go to confession. Like our cars, sometimes we get used to the dirty mess in our own spiritual lives. The trash in our heart. We need a spiritual washing. We are embarrassed of what's inside. We are embarrassed of what others will think if they find out. My brothers, that's why Christ gave the Church the sacrament of reconciliation, "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld'" John 20:21-23.
Imagine how great you feel after you wash your car. It shines and shimmers. Now imagine if you ran your car through the wash and it restored your vehicles newness- no matter how beat up or dinged it was. That's what the sacrament of reconciliation does for your soul! When you leave the confessional, your soul shines and shimmers and angels sing praise to God for your confession and for your restoration!
Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in confession; in confession there is a chance for mercy.-St. Isidore of Seville
Don't be embarrassed! Even if you haven't gone in years or even if you went last week- GO! It will give you peace and healing.
Here is an examination of your self to use before you go to confession. Click here.
PRAY:
Oh my God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong And failing to do good,I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Great words my brother, keep on keeping on.
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