Confession: Continuing to Prepare The Way. By: C.C.

"Daily we can make an Advent examination. Are there any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts." (Fr. Edward Hays)
    As we continue our Advent journey and reflect upon our interior preparations for welcoming the Lord, we are encouraged to acknowledge the 'deep, dark corners of our hearts' for those things that keep us at a distance from the Lord and our neighbours. 

     We take great care in preparing our homes for company throughout the holiday season by patiently cleaning out each room to ensure that everything is presentable. We must do the same within. We must take the time to clean out the inner rooms of our heart and soul in order to make a welcoming abode for our Lord.  It is important that we clean up the clutter and mess around our heart and soul so that Jesus can truly dwell within us. We must take this time and continue to inwardly prepare ourselves.  

    The Sacrament of Confession is a time for us to cleanse within. It is a time to break through the clutter that prevents us from properly receiving Christ. Confession is an opportunity for us to allow Christ to remove the burdens that hold us prisoner within ourselves. Confession is the beginning of a great process in our healing and our freedom.

   Advent provides the perfect avenue for beginning again. 

      On Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 parishes across the Archdiocese of Toronto will open their doors for a Day of Confessions. You can find the schedule  and helpful information here http://www.archtoronto.org/confession/ .

   For those of you living outside the Archdiocese of Toronto may your hearts be open to The Sacrament of Confession and may you seek the opportunity this Advent to prepare within!

    Lord I pray that You continue to help us prepare the way for the birth of Christ within us. Help us to acknowledge and bring the "dark corners of our hearts" to light. Provide courage to those who have fallen away from the Sacrament of Confession. May each one of us seek to clean out every room of our soul so that You may fully dwell within us. Lord thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Thank you for the gift of reconciliation. 

    Watch over our Priests Lord and provide them with Your wisdom to guide those who are seeking counsel and peace. Give them the patience, understanding, and strength to endure the long hours of Advent confessions. May we all continue to reflect Your light this season and share our joy with those around us. Amen. (C.C.)