Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent - March 2, 2021

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In the First Reading from Isaiah, the Lord says, “Come now, let us set things right.” He colors our sins as scarlet and crimson and through acknowledgement of the sins, we can become “white as wool” if we do right and obey.

Each time we celebrate mass we recite the Penitential Act. We acknowledge our sins through thoughts and words and what we have done, and perhaps more importantly, what we have failed to do. We ask for forgiveness in an effort to “set things right” as the Bible instructs us to do.

Our Catholic faith presents us with seven holy sacraments. As the mom of a current second grader, I am learning alongside my daughter as she prepares to celebrate two important sacraments this year – Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Reconciliation, or Penance, is our opportunity to set things right with God. To an eight year old preparing for this sacrament it may feel exciting, challenging, mysterious, and perhaps scary to confess their sins. I would imagine, however, many adults might say they would have the same feelings.

What keeps us from going to confession? Are we hesitant because we don’t remember the cadence of the conversation? Can we simply not remember the Acts of Contrition prayer? Perhaps our feelings of guilt, sadness, or shame are all-consuming and we don’t want to face them by stating them aloud. Maybe, we have good intentions of going to Confession, but simply don’t make the time.

Lent is a beautiful time in our liturgical year. We contemplate the mystery of God sending his only Son to the world to live among us and save us from our sins through His death and resurrection. During this time of reflection, sacrifice, and prayer let us invest in setting things right with God. Let us ask Blessed Mary, all the angels and saints, and YOU, our brothers and sisters, to pray for us to the Lord our God.

Q: How will I “set things right” with God today?

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