Be Intentionally Penitential: 2nd Sunday of Lent Homily.
- unknown
- Feb 21, 2016
- 2 min read
Lent, being the penitential season of the Church year, is marked by the two-fold character of:
Performing Penances
Recalling of preparing for our baptism
A very holy priest said to me one day, “Deacon, we must fast and pray.”
I took a poll and not many people admitted they liked to fast. I have a hard time embracing it myself. I must work on this virtue.
Praying is another story. Lots of people pray…especially when we want something…which isn’t necessarily bad…but to intentionally pray for God’s will. Now we’re going somewhere.
Now penance is the virtue whereby the person is sorry for his sins and is converting to God. “…through my fault, through my fault, through my MOST GRIEVOUS fault.” Part of the process of converting to God is finding that “MOST GRIEVOUS fault.” Find it and purge it from your life.
Today, for our RCIA candidates (those already baptized) who last weekend celebrated the Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion with our Archbishop, experience what’s known as the Penitential Rite / Scrutiny. uses this prayer: I invite you to focus on the BOLD words.
“Lord of infinite compassion and steadfast love,
your sons and daughters stand before you
in humility and trust.
Look with compassion on us.
as we acknowledge our sinfulness.
Stretch out your hand
to save us and raise us up.
Do not allow the power of darkness
to triumph over us,
but keep us free from sin
as members of Christ’s body,
and sheep of your own flock.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
on God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Deacon Tom Gotschall
The Deacon Dad
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