One
of the greatest joys of my priesthood is hearing Confessions. It is such a humbling privilege to
speak the words of Christ to those desiring his love and mercy.
Many
people get nervous when someone mentions Confession, especially if it has been
awhile since you have been to the sacrament. Some might even fear what the priest will think or say if
you tell him how long it is been.
I have found that quite the contrary is true. Not to rate Confessions—they are all miracles of forgiveness—but
some of the most powerful Confessions I’ve heard have come from men and women
who have stopped in for the first time in years or decades. Knowing this makes me more inclined to show Jesus’ compassion
and mercy. Don’t be afraid to
come.
In
one sense, it is good to feel guilt, shame or nervousness examining the sins in
our life—this shows we have a working conscience that wants us to do
better. But in another sense,
these feelings may distract us.
What I mean is, overemphasizing such emotions may prevent us from
looking at God. It is helpful to
get outside of our own sinfulness to remember God and His infinite mercy, love
and compassion.
That
is what our readings are about today. “This
saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” God is the one who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to
search for you. He leaves the ten coins to search for you. He is the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son—which could
just as well be called the parable of the Merciful Father. After his son essentially wished his
father’s death to get his stuff, left home and squandered the money in a life
of dissipation involving prostitutes, where was the father? He
was still on the road. And
when his son had a conversion, the father went out to him. “While he was still a long way off, his
father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and
kissed him.”
Jim
Gaffigan, a comedian, once said that the pig is the greatest recycling program
in the world. You give it an apple
and it makes bacon. You give it
garbage and it makes bacon. Now
bacon is objectively the greatest food, but I would disagree with Mr.
Gaffigan. Confession is the
greatest recycling program ever.
We give God our worst and He gives us a new slate. We go in sinners and come out living
saints.
As we start a new year of religious education, I want to
affirm our youth minister Kevin.
Kevin is one of the best in our diocese and the reason he is so
successful is that he leads our children to Jesus, especially in the sacraments. Each week at The Deep he brings a small
group into church so they can receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Our children at school, The Edge and
The Deep are great examples of coming frequently to Confession.
I invite you once more to come to Confession. Following Mass I will hit the sin-bin,
and if you are so moved—especially if it has been a long time—please come to
the God who loves you more than you can imagine.
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