Be My Valentine - You Are Mine

No, I'm not talking about a valentine's phrase, exactly, although it could certainly be God's valentine to us.  I'm referring to a song we often sing at church.  It was actually my penance after celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and it was absolutely perfect.  Let me explain.

First, a note about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  It really gets a bad rap.  If you have not had a a wonderful, positive, freeing experience with that Sacrament, you need to go again.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Let's set aside the discussion on confessing sins to a priest and focus on the deeper purpose:  reconciliation with God.

A New Year

I survived the day!  It may not sound like much, but after being home sick for so many days, I feel like I've been given a second chance at life.  Okay, yes, a bit dramatic, perhaps, but I couldn't resist.  I mean, I didn't even have to take a nap to get through the day!  Coincidentally, we just began a new year, and for so many people, this day becomes an opportunity for a second chance.  The chance to change, grow, improve or any other verb you want to use.  Some see it as a catalyst, the push needed to define a change, goal, or resolution.  I used to be big on resolutions, and they can be wonderful tools.  However, I don't want to limit my opportunities for growth to once a year, nor do I want the pressure (real or imagined) of sticking with something for the wrong reasons.  So, if you made a resolution (or 2 or 10), I applaud you for taking steps to change your life.  If you need accountability, I'm ready to help.  I've discovered that my attempts at change work better when I have a support network and like-minded people joining me on the journey.  It's part of why I blog (which seems like it should be it's own blog post . . . someday).

Reconciliation

I'm working on my housecleaning list, and I realized I hadn't done any soul-cleaning recently.  I had a particularly rough day and I was recounting it to a friend.  I shared my appalling behavior and bad attitude and waited for her to chastise me.  I figured I deserved a talking to, because I knew better.  Instead, she laughed, and said, 'Oh honey, that's what confession is for.'  So, today, I got my butt in gear and went to seek reconciliation with God and those I hurt.

I am human, and I'm going to screw up over and over again.  That's a fact.  What is less unsure is how willing I am to profess my human-ness and sinfulness and ask for God's mercy over and over again.  It's there, and it's free, and it's mine for the asking.

Brokenness

Lent is a great time to slow down and consider what we truly believe.  I attended a reconciliation service, and as we entered the church, we were given a piece of a tree branch (pictured below).  We were told that the branch came from the tree branch in the sanctuary.  The piece was to remind us that in our sinfulness we are broken, and our brokenness affects those around us.  But together, all of our pieces unite as the Body of Christ.  

Father commented that he wouldn't make us find the pieces that fit on either side of our piece, but that got me thinking.

Reconciliation - it is a blessing

Today I participated in the reconciliation service.  I played piano, sang, prayed, and cried - it was wonderful!   I don't know what made this experience so moving.  I suspect there are many factors that came into play, so I'll try to share some here.

1 - It is Advent.  We keep hearing that this is the time of preparation.  We are in a season of waiting.  But this waiting isn't like the desert of Lent; we anticipate the celebration of Christmas and Christ's physical arrival to our world.  So while we are busy cleaning our homes for Christmas, we should also take time to clean our soul.  It just felt good to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

2 - Bonus piece - it's Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday.  Since today happens to be the 3rd Sunday in Advent, we mark it with additional rejoicing.  We know Christmas is near, and we celebrate that we are over halfway through our waiting.  I think that just added an extra spirit of joy to the service.