Path To Forgiveness

It's Lent and that means it is time for the semi-annual penance service. I almost always go to the communal penance that is offered by my parish. I have to admit, though, that I don't always seem to get a lot out of these times. Oh, I know that we receive grace every time we go to Reconciliation but I know that sometimes I feel more consoled than at other times. I prefer to go during a normal time throughout the year instead.

All of this being said, i went last night and the priest that heard my confession, who stood in persona Christi was a beautiful servant of God. It felt like Jesus himself was walking with me, gently guiding me and bringing me to a place where I was free of my past sins. God always knows what we need. Sometimes, I need a stern father who let's me know in no uncertain terms that I need to get on the right path. At other times, I need a brother, a good friend to walk with me and gently move me back onto the path.

This is what I received last night through the sacrament of Reconciliation, at the hands of a very loving priest who let the love of Jesus work through him.

So, if you haven't experienced Reconciliation in a while, no mater how long it has been or even if you have never been, go now!! Make haste! The grace of the sacrament is waiting for you.

Do You Want To Impress Your Babe Tonight?

This was the subject line on an email in my spam folder this morning. Did I open this email? Heavens, no! However, it did get me to thinking. Yes, I do want to impress my babe tonight, my wife of 26 years. I am going to pray with her tonight. 

As men, we need to be the spiritual leaders in our homes. Chances are your wife is just waiting for you to take the reins. So, tonight, really impress her. Sit her down. Hold her hands and pray with her from your heart.

Why me?

In this whole process of formation I often wonder why me, especially when I see so many others that seem so perfect for the job. They know more about the church. They go to daily mass, adoration, pray the rosary more than I do. The choices seem so obvious.

I was talking to someone yesterday that posed the question, Why didn't Jesus ask John the Baptist to be one of his apostles? Good question, he seems like a shoe in. but instead he asked simple fishermen. 

So, I come back to my situation, why me? I certainly am not worthy or high on the list of prospects, to use baseball terminology. The only thing I can think of that I did different than anyone else, is that I said, "Yes". I said, "yes" and God did the rest. 

I believe that God calls us all to something, to a new life. The only necessary on our part is to say, "Yes". I would challenge everyone to take some time this Lent to listen to what God might be asking of you.

After You...

Well, Lent is here and I am not sure I am ready. The annual battle of the family to figure out what everyone will give up has begun. You see, even with just five of us at home now, we will have vastly different views of what to give up. 

One wants to give up meat, another bread, and another deserts/sweets. So, how in the world are we supposed to plan meals? One wants to take more time visiting the sick and shut-ins, another wants to spend more family time and so the conflicts ensue. The litany of things to give up goes on and on.

Feeling this tension in our house last night, I decided it was time to retreat a bit an pray about what to do about this. Especially as I was struggling with how I was going to keep my Lenten goals with all of the conflicts. Then it hit me.

All of these offerings just felt like lip service. What I needed to give up was my need to have things my way. I need to give up my will for Lent. To make others first, to help facilitate their spiritual journey. I need to not hinder their progress in any way.

So, that is my plan, to give up my needs for others, putting them first. Pray for me and my selfishness.