Repentance

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120813.cfm) reminds me how important repentance is as we prepare for Christ’s coming.

Repentance is very important, that is why God gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation (ie confession) to help us in repenting, to help us be at peace with God, with others, and with ourselves.

in the gospel we see again how important real repentance is. External actions is not enough, we need a repentance from the heart. Just as confession without really meaning it is useless, so is repentance with our lips. John proclaims:

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

And continues to explain:

Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.

And do not presume to say to yourselves,

Just like a good tree bears good fruit, a real repentance bears good fruit. Real repentance brings with it peace, a change of lifestyle, a change of heart.

This is the second Sunday of advent. One way to really prepare for Christmas is to be repentant. Let us maximize the sacrament of reconciliation, and as we do so, may we be serious in living in the right path, avoiding sin, and being at peace with God and others.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you that Christmas is nearing. Lord, I pray for a repentant heart. May I be able to make the most out of the sacrament of reconciliation, especially now, for I know it will be helpful in making me more prepared for Christmas. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-