Reconciliation

Holiness is a calling to which all are invited to strive, as Christ himself exhorts:​

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"Be you therefore perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)​

 

This perfection consists solely of the love of God and the love of neighbour. It is a radical way of life—living out the Gospel message. To follow Christ is not an easy path. In the first chapter of the First Letter of John in the New Testament, the faithful are urged to no longer walk in darkness but to walk in the light of truth. He teaches that it is through the blood of Jesus that we are cleansed from all sin. Through our baptism, we are immersed into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and as a result, our sins are forgiven. We are given new life in Christ and made sons and daughters of God our Father.

We know, however, that even after our baptism, sinfulness still clings to us in our fallen nature. Evil and temptation are in the world, and we often struggle to choose God's will over our own. In short, we are 'sinners.' Therefore, John exhorts the faithful once again, stating:  

 

"If we confess our sins, he {Jesus} is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1.9) ​

 

 The sacrament of confession is a renewal of baptismal grace, allowing us to once again walk in friendship with God and with our neighbour.​ If you wish to receive this powerful sacrament, it is available half an hour before each Sunday Mass, and the First Friday and First Saturday Masses, as well as by appointment with the pastor.