Come Out Of Darkness And Enjoy The Light

“The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.” – Pope Francis.

We read in Ephesians 5 that we have a “Duty to Live in the Light.” “Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.  Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them.”  We must be imitators of God!

There are seven Penitential Psalms in the Old Testament.  The most familiar is Psalm 51, which reads: “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.”  These sincere words lamented by King David were encouraged by the Prophet Nathan after he exposed David’s grievous sins.  The need to repent is also affirmed in the New Testament with stories of Jesus’ public ministry, especially with the example of Mary Magdalene.  After meeting Jesus she felt sorrow for the evil ways of her life.  She wept at his feet, drying her tears with her long hair; she then anointed his feet with perfume.  People were surprised that Jesus allowed such a sinner to touch him, but Jesus could see into her heart.  Jesus replied, "Many sins are forgiven her, because she has loved very much."  Then to Mary He said kindly, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., launched a marketing campaign in 2007 that has spread across the country, including the Diocese of Evansville. “The Light is On for You” featured ads on buses and subway cars, billboards, 100,000 brochures and radio spots in an effort to get people back to the confessional. 

There are many opportunities during Lent to accept this gift of God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  What a beautiful way to renew your spirit.  If you know someone who has been away from the Church, please extend an invitation to revisit this great Sacrament.  A welcoming invitation is sometimes needed to give others the courage to participate in things that may otherwise seem estranged.  Extend a loving invitation, not an expectation, and then pray for their acceptance.

We recall in the story that Mary Magdalene humbly continued to serve Jesus.  She was there at the foot of the cross when Our Lord was crucified.  After His body had been placed in the tomb, Mary went to anoint it with spices early Easter Sunday morning.  She began to weep when she could not find His body.   Seeing a man she thought was the gardener, she asked him if he knew where the body of her Beloved Master had been taken. The person spoke in a voice she knew so well: "Mary!" She knew then it was Jesus who had risen from the dead!  Jesus had chosen to show Himself first to Mary Magdalene, the repentant sinner.  In our own sinfulness we know we are always loved by God, but we must be open to His mercy and forgiveness with obedience.

In the Church instituted by Christ we find the Sacraments, which allow us to feel His mercy freely given.  By His grace we are welcomed with love and forgiveness.  Let Jesus see into your heart!  Come to Reconciliation and have the courage to live the good life of the Gospel, only by the grace of God.  Amen!