LENT a time to REPENT

The Latin word sacramentum means ‘a sign of the sacred.’ Sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Catholics. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence and are signs of God's grace. Celebrating sacraments is such an important part of our lives. Lent is a perfect time to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation as we are called to repent and to come back into a loving relationship with Our Lord and Saviour. 

Reconciliation is a time in which we come to ask for God’s forgiveness. This leads me to think, God easily forgives us, why do we sometimes find it hard to forgive others?  

God has given us specific direction within the sacred Scriptures, all of which can be summed up in just one word FORGIVE! God is saying that it is in our own best interest to forgive others. Our hearts are a little lighter when we forgive or are forgiven. He is not talking about what is in the best interest of the person who needs to be forgiven. We are the ones who God is trying to protect. We are the ones who receive the most benefit from forgiveness, not the other person. A spirit of unforgiveness complicates and compromises our daily lives.  

Forgiving others releases us from anger and allows us to receive the healing we need. The whole reason God has given us specific direction is because He does not want anything to stand between us and Him. God's love for us is beyond our comprehension. Forgiving others spares us from the consequences of living out of an unforgiving heart. This Lent we are challenged not only to seek forgiveness but to also offer forgiveness with an open heart.  

Yours in faith,

Miss Michelle Collins