This Tuesday 3/20, Visitation will celebrate Lenten Penance services at 2 and 7PM in church. What a wonderful opportunity to so personally receive the mercy and forgiveness of our heavenly Father!
It's something that we so easily overlook in a world that has lost the concept of sin in pursuit of so much else that fails to satisfy. We do so at our own peril: "whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:32.) Called "the Unforgivable Sin", this is understood by the Catholic Church to be what is called final impenitence: dying in a state of unrepentance, of going to our death with a sin of which we refuse to ask God for forgiveness.
But besides its possible eternal consequence, impenitence also is a state in which we do not have to find ourselves in today. Jesus offers us the opportunity to reconcile ourselves to him and his Father, to lift the burdens that occur when we say "Yes" to ourselves by saying "No" to God, and he does so unceasingly. I often tell Catholics who come to me for counseling - many times after other methods have failed - that they are invited and welcome to experience peace through God's sacramental forgiveness and grace; a method that, unlike the $125/hour that a therapist might charge, is absolutely free!
A side effect of our society's aversion to recognizing sin is that it can be difficult for people who - much like the Prodigal Son have come to seek the father's forgiveness - recognize what should be given to the Father (yes, both the physical priest and God whom he represents in the sacrament). A good starting point is the Ten Commandments, as they can help identify the first criterion of a mortal (or grievous) sin that should be brought to Confession: the sin involves serious matter (the second being that one has had sufficient reflection on its sinfulness and the third being that one freely chooses to do it). Even so, it often requires additional "unpacking" to see how a Commandment may be broken; people will tell me "well, I didn't murder anyone, so I'm OK with the fifth Commandment!"
To help, here's an Examination of Conscience, based on the Ten Commandments, that might prove useful:
1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods besides me
We hope to see you on Tuesday - or any other time (just call to make sure that a priest is available) - to celebrate this gift of God's mercy!
But besides its possible eternal consequence, impenitence also is a state in which we do not have to find ourselves in today. Jesus offers us the opportunity to reconcile ourselves to him and his Father, to lift the burdens that occur when we say "Yes" to ourselves by saying "No" to God, and he does so unceasingly. I often tell Catholics who come to me for counseling - many times after other methods have failed - that they are invited and welcome to experience peace through God's sacramental forgiveness and grace; a method that, unlike the $125/hour that a therapist might charge, is absolutely free!
A side effect of our society's aversion to recognizing sin is that it can be difficult for people who - much like the Prodigal Son have come to seek the father's forgiveness - recognize what should be given to the Father (yes, both the physical priest and God whom he represents in the sacrament). A good starting point is the Ten Commandments, as they can help identify the first criterion of a mortal (or grievous) sin that should be brought to Confession: the sin involves serious matter (the second being that one has had sufficient reflection on its sinfulness and the third being that one freely chooses to do it). Even so, it often requires additional "unpacking" to see how a Commandment may be broken; people will tell me "well, I didn't murder anyone, so I'm OK with the fifth Commandment!"
To help, here's an Examination of Conscience, based on the Ten Commandments, that might prove useful:
1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods besides me
Do I think about God and put God first in my life? Do I set aside time each day for worship, prayer, and Bible reading? Do I nourish the virtues of faith, hope, and love by study and prayer? Am I faithful to the promises I have made to God at baptism, confirmation, and choice of vocation? Am I superstitious? Am I involved in astrology, magic, or new-age practices? Do I make a false god of possessions, pleasure, or power? Am I too materialistic? Am self-centered?
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Do I use God’s name reverently? Do I reverence God the Father as my Creator, Jesus as my Savior, the Holy Spirit as my Helper? Do I profess my faith in them to family, friends, and others? Do I blaspheme or make false oaths? Do I sin by cursing, swearing, or careless use of God’s name?
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.
Do I worship God faithfully at Sunday Mass, holy days, and other times? Do I do anything special—like prayer, Bible reading, charitable deeds, and family time—to make Sunday the “Lord’s Day”? Do I make Sunday a day of rest and relaxation? Have I done my share for my parish through volunteer service?
4. Honor your father and your mother.
Do I respect and care for my parents and other members of my family? Do I find ways to show my love for them and tell them I love them? Do I show gratitude to them? Do I fulfill my responsibilities and do my share of work at home? Do I pray with members of my family? If a parent, do I offer spiritual leadership and see to the religious instruction of my children? Do I show proper respect to those in authority? Do I fulfill my obligations to my country by paying just taxes, exercising the right to vote, and defending my country? Have I disobeyed those who have authority over me? Have I shirked my responsibilities to family or society?
5. You shall not kill.
Do I respect and revere human life as a gift from God from conception through old age? Have I reached out to the sick, elderly and lonely? Do I pray and work for peace and justice? Am I courteous? Have I ever injured anyone? Have I taken part in an abortion? Have I cooperated in any way in procedures of direct euthanasia? Have I injured myself through alcohol, drugs, smoking, overeating, or excessive dieting? Have I harmed others by hatred, unjust anger, resentment, or unwillingness to forgive? Have I given scandal to others, particularly to the young or those under my authority? Do I belittle or discourage others? Am I prejudiced?
6. You shall not commit adultery.
Have I been pure in words and actions? Does my clothing reflect the standards of Christ? Have I treated members of the opposite sex with respect and dignity? Have I tried to show love and friendship to members of my family, to friends, and to acquaintances? Have I consciously tried to strengthen marriages and to promote Christ-like attitudes toward marriage? Have I sinned by adultery, fornication, masturbation, or other impure actions? Have I indulged in pornographic movies, television, reading, or other entertainments that offend against decency?
7. You shall not steal.
Have I given an honest day’s work for my wages? Have I been fair to employees? Have I shown respect for the property of others? Have I been faithful in keeping promises and contracts? Have I beer generous in my gifts to the poor and to the Church? Do I let Christ’s teachings guide me in business matters Have I stolen anything, been dishonest, or cheated? Have I made reparation for any injustice committed against others? Have I harmed myself, my family, or others by excessive gambling?
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Have I consciously tried to speak well of others’ Have I been truthful? Have I harmed others by false witness or perjury? Have I told lies, deceiving those who had a right to the truth? Have I betrayed secrets? Have I gossiped? Have I judged others rashly? Have I flattered others? Have I boasted or bragged?
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
Have I been holy in my thoughts, a “temple of the Holy Spirit”? Have I tried to live by the beatitude which promises that the pure of heart shall see God? Do I have a healthy respect for modesty and for purity of heart? Have I indulged in impure thoughts and desires? Have led others into sexual sin?
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Have I made heaven my true goal in life and focused my hopes on God? Do I realize that perfect happiness can come only from seeing God face to face in heaven? Do I appreciate God’s free gifts, such as the beauties of nature? Have I been generous with my time, talents, and treasure? Am I greedy or avaricious? Have I been envious or jealous of others? Do I make myself and others unhappy by my complaints, my self-pity, or my selfishness?
We hope to see you on Tuesday - or any other time (just call to make sure that a priest is available) - to celebrate this gift of God's mercy!
Go to your confessor; open your heart to him; display to him all the recesses of your soul; take the advice that he will give you with the utmost humility and simplicity. For God, Who has an infinite love for obedience, frequently renders profitable the counsels we take from others, but especially from those who are the guides of our souls.
Our FORMED Recommendation for the Week
Audio Drama - (202 minutes) - The Trials of Saint Patrick
https://formed.org/listen/58c9af6308a8e56c0cab1eb8
Audio Drama - (202 minutes) - The Trials of Saint Patrick
https://formed.org/listen/58c9af6308a8e56c0cab1eb8
We celebrate St. Patrick's day on Saturday, but how much do you really know about this patron saint of Ireland?
The Trials of Saint Patrick is the epic story of one man's spiritual odyssey through hardship and loss, mercy, and forgiveness. Dramatized with a fresh boldness by the Augustine Institute Radio Theatre, the characters will come alive through the talents of dozens of accomplished, award-winning actors, combined with cinematic sound and music. Your imagination will be quickened. Your heart will be inspired.
Due to the intense nature of St. Patrick's story, parental guidance is suggested.
If you haven't done so already, go to www.formed.org, click on the REGISTER button and enter our parish code V8KNDV). Enter your e-mail address on the registration screen and you're good to go!
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