November 10, 2005
Every celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass begins with a humble admission of sin and prayer for the Lord’s mercy: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault... At these words we are to strike our chests as an act of sorrow for sin.
The other day I was celebrating Mass while wearing a beautiful vestment which had a picture of Jesus’ face on the front. As I struck my chest in repentance, I realized that I was striking Jesus in the face. In truth, it can be said that this is what we do every time we sin.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a powerful teaching concerning this reality in paragraph number 598. This challenging paragraph ends with a quote from Saint Francis, “Nor did demons crucify him; it is you who have crucified him and crucify him still, when you delight in your vices and sins.” The messages of Our Lady in her approved apparitions at LaSalette, France, (mid 1800s) had the same idea.
Before it is too late, this is the time to get serious about sin. He cannot remove what we do not repent of. Let us pray for the grace to not be complacent concerning contrition for our sins. Jesus, grant me true sorrow for my sins. Lord have mercy. He does!
God bless you,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
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