Fourth Sunday in Advent

Dear Parishioners,

    When is the last time you felt the healing power of Jesus Christ?  You have an opportunity this Monday evening to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation here at Sacred Heart. We have been talking about preparing the way of the Lord during Advent. Do you feel prepared to meet Jesus? If not, this is your chance to change that.

    I am always surprised when someone comes into the Reconciliation room and says, “I just don’t know why I am here. I haven’t done anything wrong.” Older people may say I am too old to sin. What does this mean. Probably it means they think sin is all about sex and nothing more. Does it mean that the person really has not committed any sins?  Or, does it mean that the person is out of touch with their own self? Could it mean that the penitent is afraid to look at their own failings because it makes them feel depressed? If that is the case, then we are looking at the message of Jesus in the wrong way.

Jesus did not come to lay a guilt trip on us. No, Jesus came to tell us that God loves us despite our short comings. Jesus did not like to be around people who thought they were perfect. Jesus was friends with flawed people who were deeply aware of their shortcomings.  Jesus said to these people, “I love you and I want you in my life.” When Jesus said this to people those persons became his committed followers.

If we say we are perfect, it means that we don’t need the gift Jesus came to give us. The gift I am speaking about is the gift of redemption. The Feast of the Incarnation (Christmas) then becomes just another day on the calendar. I feel I need the mercy of God every day. I hope you do too.

You are invited Monday night to receive the greatest gift of all. You are invited to hear Jesus say, “You are free of sin. You can start over. I extend my mercy to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” Come share in true joy.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark