Although many Christians give lip-service to Jesus' authority to forgive sins, how many of us truly appreciate it? We need Jesus to confirm it for us by healing the paralyzed (Mk 2:10-11).
If you don't go to Confession at least monthly, I ask you to consider starting to go to monthly Confession. If you are unwilling to do this, I challenge you to ask Jesus to confirm that the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is a tremendous gift, and that frequent Confession is very important to becoming holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:15-16).
Some of you will see God work signs and wonders, and will go to monthly Confession till the end of your life. Some of you will see God work in less dramatic ways, but you'll know He's talking to you, waiting for you to say "Yes." The Lord will do almost anything to lead us to repentance. He even became a Man, was nailed to a cross, shed His blood, and died (see Phil 2:6-8). What more could He do!
Jesus will be glad to confirm His call to repentance and Confession with "cures and signs and wonders" (Acts 4:30). Then "there will likewise be more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner" (Lk 15:7).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I go to Confession as often as You want me to attend. |
| PROMISE: | "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." –Mk 2:10 |
| PRAISE: | St. Anthony the Abbot took to heart the Scripture passage, "Do not be anxious about tomorrow" (Mt 6:34, RSV-CE). He gave away the little he had not yet given to the poor. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College