December 16, 2018

As we get closer to Christmas and our Advent preparation continues, today I would like to consider the Sacrament of Reconciliation and silence as part of our preparation for Christmas.

Every pregnant woman and every family expecting the arrival of a child knows the importance of preparation. In these final days of Advent when the Church prays the ancient prayer “Come, Lord Jesus” and the “O” antiphons like O Wisdom, Key of David, Root of Jesse, may our hearts long with expectancy for Christ who comes at Christmas and in Glory at the end of time. May some of our preparation be silence in the midst of a bustling world. take a few minutes each day, in your commute to work, waiting to pick up your children, just before you get out of bed in the morning or before you retire in the evening, in silence to listen to God’s presence within you. May you create a space for the Living God and the Son of God, Jesus.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also a beautiful way to prepare for the feast of Christmas. This Sacrament is not just a confession of sins, but an earnest prayer of acknowledging our sinfulness, our need for God and the support of others for our on-going conversion and healing. Many people celebrate this Sacrament during Advent and Lent, others may celebrate more frequently. These times of truly looking at our relationship with God, one another and self, allow us the opportunity to be honest with ourselves and seek the assistance of God in our life. I encourage you to take time to celebrate this Sacrament during the closing days of Advent.

Trusting in the love of God, may we continue this Advent journey in joy as we light the rose colored candle on our Advent wreath.

Fr. Joe