Message
from Father Bernardin
THE SACRAMENT
OF PENANCE. . .
We are all affected by sins in many ways. During mass we admit that
we sin against God and against our brothers and sisters. Sins come
to us in different ways: in our thoughts, in our words, in what
we have done and in what we have failed to do.
1. In my thoughts: Thoughts are known to be the root of sin.
Sins that come to life start often in our thoughts. In our thoughts
we make plans of how when and where our sins will be committed.
If we let these evil minds grow, soon or later, they will come to
life. That is why we are called to avoid impure thoughts and confess
them.
2. In my words: we use words to communicate to each other.
Language is God’s gift to all human beings. Imagine what mute
people have to go through. It is very difficult for them. I remember
in seminary we had a week retreat where we were forbidden to speak.
Honestly, it was hard. Sometimes we would hide and talk. But with
words, we gossip, we lie, we curse, we swear, we use bad words…
all these hurt God and our neighbor. It is a good habit to avoid
all these, to have a mouth clean. Only confession will help us to
stay away from them.
3. In what I have done: Most of the time this looks like
the only sin we count. We feel its weight, its shame and sometimes
its consequences. We have so many people behind bars because of
what they have done. It is good to do all we can to avoid doing
wrong. The best way to do it, is to confess them as soon as possible
without waiting too long.
4. In what I have failed to do: Christians are called to
be the light of the world and the salt of the Earth. Often we are
too lazy to go to church on Sunday, or unwilling to do something
good for our brothers and sisters. The parable of Lazarus and the
rich man (Luke 16: 19-31) is a good example that failing to do good
to our neighbors can have great consequences. The parable of the
Fig tree reminds us that we have a second chance. Let us take advantage
of it by going to confessions, by repenting all our sins. Jesus
came to forgive us our sins so that we may be God’s true sons
and daughters.
May God
Bless You – Fr. Bernardin
Our Lenten penance service will be on March 24th in Cedarville
after the 2:30 pm Mass. In Alturas on March 24th at 6:00 pm. Father
Patrick Henry will be here for the service.
