Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
October 17, 2021
"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."
(Hebrews 4:16)
We crave grace and mercy. Especially these days as we go in and out of a variety of emotions and trials in search of a sense of normalcy. We have our own comfort levels as we journey on through the stages of pandemic and the stages of re-entering our music ministry, or perhaps even just stepping foot back into the church building itself. God sees our struggle and wants to meet us where we are. What better way to meet Him than in the sacrament of reconciliation?
Jesus walked this earth as one of us so that we know we have a God who truly gets it. Jesus felt what we feel. He, too, was tempted and tested. Jesus, unlike us, did not react with sin but set the example. He, as we should, turned to God the Father in prayer and supplication. We need to follow this example. Confession is for us. Our human self sits with the priest, who acts in the person of Christ as the “servant of God’s forgiveness” (CCC 1466). “Hold fast to your confession” (Heb 4:14); it is a cleansing that heals our soul so that we can strive more effectively to be the best version of ourselves in all situations. It is God’s offering of real-time reassurance and his audible words of forgiveness.
Prayer
Lord,
call us to your mercy,
give us strength to confess our weaknesses
and move through our trials.
Grant us the recognition of your grace in our lives
that we may respond, instead of react,
that we may go forth in the certainty
that You are in control and have a plan.
Allow us to be your grace and mercy
to those we encounter.
Amen.
Tracy Wade Lake
NPM Austin Chapter Secretary
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic ChurchCantor, accompanist, conductor
Holy Family Catholic SchoolMusic Educator, Choir Director,
Liturgy Coordinator, Campus Ministry Coordinator