Lent: Week Four Continued

After the session, we walked over to the Church together.  I opened up the Reconciliation rooms and encouraged people to go in, touch things, and look around.   Then Fr. Luke prepared himself to receive the group one by one in individual Reconciliation.   

One of the older couples left Reconciliation first.  As they left, they said, “so much has changed.  At least now I have some idea what sins I need to confess.”

A parent left saying, “I knew most of what Fr. Luke said, but some of it was new too.  I attend Reconciliation, but this session helped me remember why it’s important to keep coming.”

A youth said, “I made it through.  I didn’t think I’d feel any different after [absolution] but I do.  I feel so much better!”

I went back into the church waiting to tell Father I’d locked up.  Then, in my heart I felt this little tug, and I could almost hear, “when was the last time YOU went to Reconciliation?”  I could feel the weight of my life holding me back, and I realized: removing that weight is what Reconciliation is about.  THAT is why we go.  God gave us Jesus so that we don’t have to walk around carrying the world on our shoulders.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  I walked into the confessional.  “I’m your last one, Father.” 

“Oh…” and then he saw who I was, “you.” 

And of course, like any other person, I forgot half of what I was supposed to do. 

“I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

“Amen.”

I remembered my response to the youth as he left, “Yes, Reconciliation does make you feel better; it’s surprising, but it always does.”  God’s love is always there for us, God is always ready to lift the load from our shoulders.  We can walk in the light. 

Reconciliation is held every Thursday morning from 7:30 – 8:00 AM, every Saturday from 4:30 – 5:00 PM, and by appointment.  A Lenten communal celebration will be held at 7:00 PM on April 4.  Click here for a map showing St. Augustine’s Church.

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