Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and, found human in appearance, he humbled himself… (Philippians 2:5-11)
EMPTY OURSELVES: We must, following the example of Jesus, empty ourselves.
When talking to students about attending Mass, I used to tell them to leave their baggage at the door. I did not want the worries, distractions, and stuff of life to prevent them from experiencing the joy and miracle of the Mass.
I have changed my approach when talking to students lately. I still urge them to fully engage in the miracle of the Mass, but I talk more about transformation. Rather than leave it at the door, we should bring that baggage with us when we come to the altar to receive Holy Communion.
We should offer up our fears and troubles, as well as our sins, to God. We empty ourselves and in return God renews us. In receiving the Body of Christ, we are transformed.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the gift of forgiveness, and we should take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament often. In the meantime, praying for God’s mercy and forgiveness, and bringing our sins to the altar are healthy practices as well.
Guilt and shame often keep us from seeking forgiveness. We may struggle with the same sin over and over, and we think, “How many more times will God forgive me for the same sin?” or “I don’t deserve forgiveness.”
Pope Francis recently said: “God never tires of forgiving us, but we sometimes tire of asking Him to forgive us.”
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