Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, at the beginning of this Advent Season, the Church presents to us what ought to be the right disposition of a true Christian. This disposition is that of the *acknowledgement of one’s Sinfulness.* This acknowledgement leads to REPENTANCE which guarantees HOPE in the reward of eternal life.
In fact, the above is the clear distinction between a Sinner with Hope (Saint) and Sinner without hope (Damned). God recognizes that we are weak and sinful and that is why he provides us every opportunity to always return to him through sincere REPENTANCE and recourse to the sacraments of Baptism and Penance (Confession) respectively. Unfortunately, sometimes, we refuse to ACKNOWLEDGE our SINS thereby refusing to return to God through the above Sacraments. *At this point, you and I may ask ourselves when was the last time we went for CONFESSION.*
๐๐ผNow, the Church encourages us, her children, to always live in this acknowledgement of Sinfulness and repentance because she knows that that is the only HOPE for us SINNERS. Thus, the Catechism affirms: *โ…All members of the Church, including her ministers, must ACKNOWLEDGE that they are SINNERS”* (cf. CCC n. 827). Remember that Jesus FORGAVE and PRAISED the Publican (Tax Collector) because he acknowledged his Sinfulness; unlike the Pharisee who claimed righteousness (cf. Lk 18:9-14). *Before God we all are SINNERS in need of REPENTANCE and God’s mercy. Indeed, living in such consciousness is readiness for the Coming of the Master.*
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen๐๐ผ
(cf. CATECHESIS โNKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (B);
READINGS: R1: Is 63:16-17,63:1,3-8, R2: 1 Cor 1:3-9, Gosp. Mk 13:33-37)
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
