Gaudete Sunday! or Why is my Priest Dressed like a Barbie?

Today is Gaudete Sunday.  It's the Sunday the Priest wears his pink rose vestments.  It is the reminder to rejoice, because we are almost to the birth of our Savior.

It is also a reminder that we are almost done with Advent.  And if you need to do anything to get ready for Christmas this is last chance.

So if you haven't it's time to get to confession.

One of the things I feel really bad about when I go to confession is repeat sins.  I hate going to the priest and just asking for forgiveness for the same things as last time.  For me that's profanity.  I spent 10 years in the Navy and still do have times when I "talk like a sailor."

But I am doing better by swearing less and being aware of it when I do.  So I asked the Priest if I get partial credit for improving.  He laughed.  No partial credit but he said "A sinner sins and accepts it.  A Saint sins and realizes it, trying not to let it happen again."  I think it is a take-off of a quote from Oscar Wilde.  And it makes sense.

The journey from sinner to Saint is a long one.  Going to confession helps keep you on the path.  If you can go you should. 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Part 1

This week of Advent the readings are devoted to John the Baptist and his call for repentance to make ready for the Lord.  Over the next few days I am going to focus on confession a little.  Admittingly, this is going to apply most directly to Catholics, but everyone sins against their neighbor, so these posts may still be relevant for everyone in sone form.

I went to confession this weekend.  The line was pretty long to see the priest and while we were waiting someone asked one of the people in line, "How often do you go to confession?"

To this there is no right answer.  It's going to be "As often as you need to."  The Church itself says a minimum of once a year.  A lot of people try to go at least twice a year, once during Advent and once during Lent.  I am trying to go once a month now.  St. Mother Theresa went every week (I'm not sure what she had to confess).

What it really comes down to is how often should I go to confession is an individual decision.  If you feel you have committed a mortal sin-go.  If you feel guilt about something you have done or failed to do-go.  If you are not sure if you should go or not-go.  You'll feel better afterwards.