P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That each one of the people of God and their pastors, may grow in their realization of the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation, the gift of God's merciful love
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There is an urgent need for peace and reconciliation, if we are to survive on this planet. More than ever, our world seems torn apart by strife and violence. While the view of the earth from space shows that we are one small world, we seem split, unable to live together in peace and unity. In the Christian perspective, the final vision is not one of disunity, but of God's kingdom of peace.
We join the Holy Father in praying that the people of God will turn to the Sacrament of Reconciliation with renewed fervour with the hope that all pastors of the Church will take the lead in this renewal. If both pastor and people do not any longer avail themselves of this privilege of confessing sins our being and our actions would soon feel its effects.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church rightfully explains that "the Sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true 'spiritual' restoration of the dignity and the blessing of the life of the children of God . . . " (No. 1468). The image of the father in the story of the Prodigal Son with his festive and loving welcome of the returning son, is the image we need. It is an image of the merciful love of God who is always willing to forgive.
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