A leper asks Jesus to cleanse him from leprosy, to heal him, and Jesus responds by touching the human being and saying, “I do will it; be cleansed.”
We say before communion: “... only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” The healing of the soul, of the inner you, includes the forgiveness of our sins, and the removal of our guilt and shame for what we have done. Jesus heals us from the deadly leprosy of sin, and from what can be called “brokenness.”
Bishop Michael has asked the priests / pastors in this diocese to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation, of forgiveness, generously available during Lent. Clearly his intention is that all of the faithful avail themselves of this Sacrament as we prepare to celebrate Easter “with hearts and minds renewed.” We can offer; the response must be yours.
I ask that we all do our best to honor Bishop Michael’s intention, which is for our good, for our upbuilding in Christ, for the experience of God’s blessing of life. Presently I am working on a schedule for offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least weekly in one of our parishes, mainly on Fridays at St. Mark’s (where I reside). After the return to daylight savings time, I shall add an evening session at Holy Trinity parish for adults who have not had the chance to receive the Sacrament, and who may wish to do so.
From years of priestly ministry, I have learned that some people do not at all feel comfortable in speaking out their sins before another human being. To assist all of us to experience the joy of forgiveness, and especially those who may be reluctant to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I wish to offer all of us a sacramental action for forgiveness of sins as well. It will not replace the Sacrament with absolution, but offer a prayerful time to let go of one’s sins and personal problems. Details will be announced next week, but I will invite all who attend services for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday to bring with them a list of their sins and burdens on a folded piece of paper, unsigned. After communion, we shall burn the unseen sins, known between you and the LORD alone.
Jesus went out of his way to touch a leper for cleansing. Let us do what we can to help one another experience Christ’s healing power.
We say before communion: “... only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” The healing of the soul, of the inner you, includes the forgiveness of our sins, and the removal of our guilt and shame for what we have done. Jesus heals us from the deadly leprosy of sin, and from what can be called “brokenness.”
Bishop Michael has asked the priests / pastors in this diocese to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation, of forgiveness, generously available during Lent. Clearly his intention is that all of the faithful avail themselves of this Sacrament as we prepare to celebrate Easter “with hearts and minds renewed.” We can offer; the response must be yours.
I ask that we all do our best to honor Bishop Michael’s intention, which is for our good, for our upbuilding in Christ, for the experience of God’s blessing of life. Presently I am working on a schedule for offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least weekly in one of our parishes, mainly on Fridays at St. Mark’s (where I reside). After the return to daylight savings time, I shall add an evening session at Holy Trinity parish for adults who have not had the chance to receive the Sacrament, and who may wish to do so.
From years of priestly ministry, I have learned that some people do not at all feel comfortable in speaking out their sins before another human being. To assist all of us to experience the joy of forgiveness, and especially those who may be reluctant to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I wish to offer all of us a sacramental action for forgiveness of sins as well. It will not replace the Sacrament with absolution, but offer a prayerful time to let go of one’s sins and personal problems. Details will be announced next week, but I will invite all who attend services for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday to bring with them a list of their sins and burdens on a folded piece of paper, unsigned. After communion, we shall burn the unseen sins, known between you and the LORD alone.
Jesus went out of his way to touch a leper for cleansing. Let us do what we can to help one another experience Christ’s healing power.
