Fr. Leo gave a homily in January about the importance of bridging the gap between our faith life/going to mass and our ‘everyday life’. My daily life, much like many others, is sometimes very busy, stressful, joyful, full of laughter, sometimes tears, work, home duties, helping out my spouse, my child, filling out paperwork, keeping up with family and friends as much as possible and the list goes on as it does for most people. No matter what age or stage in which you find yourself, the daily rigors of life are the reality for all. Sometimes these realities of life can leave us dry and withered, exhausted and weak. The following is one way in which I see our ‘one hour on Sunday’ bridging to the other 167 hours of the week, especially in this holy season of Lent. We can renew ourselves often and drink from the fountain of mercy by regularly experiencing the power of the sacrament of reconciliation.
Truly begin to look at your own life. Is God calling you to experience his refreshing renewal more regularly? Do you feel God inviting you back lovingly to conversion and communion with Him through this discussion of the Sacrament? God wants to shower us with His mercy as a parent lovingly forgives their child for transgressions to which their children admit. Honestly, becoming a parent has provided me with a new and deeper appreciation of the love and mercy that Jesus has for us, His children. Since my son was born, each time he apologizes for any misdeed, I have responded with “I forgive you, I love you, you’re mine.” As he got older and began to understand our commitment to this sacrament, he asked, “Mommy, when you tell Jesus your sins in confession does he say “I forgive you. I love you. You’re mine?” Yes he does. Let those refreshing words wash over you. Go to Jesus. Let Him say to you, “I forgive you. I love you. You are mine.”