Fr Frank writes:
Today’s readings point us to the Sacrament of Reconciliation – a real gift to the Church.
In our first reading the prophet Isaiah has a vision of God, and with this he experiences a profound sense of his own unworthiness. This is something with which we can all identify, for who among us is sinless enough to meet God face-to-face? God’s response to Isaiah’s admission of his sinfulness is to forgive him as his ‘unclean lips’ are touched with the coal taken from the altar.
In our second reading Paul, too, admits to his sinfulness as a former persecutor of the Church, and in our Gospel Simon Peter, when faced with the majesty of Christ, falls to his knees and says ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’
Isaiah, Paul and Peter are all great men, but they are made even greater by being able to admit their weaknesses. No bluster, no cover-up. They admit their sinfulness and they are forgiven and honoured by God.
The gift of God’s forgiveness is a living reality still in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebrated in our two parishes on alternate Saturdays. This Sacrament is a real blessing for us – a preparation for our ultimate encounter with the Eternal Father. It is not something to be taken lightly.
May our loving and merciful God bless you now and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Working at the Jobcentre has to be a tense job – knowing that if you get fired, you still have to come in the next day.
I took out a loan for an exorcism. If I don’t pay it back, I’m going to get repossessed.