Immersed in Christ: Thursday, June 17, 2021

I Confess...

After the greeting at Mass, the presider continues, "Brothers and Sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries." This is the "great equalizing" at the start of Mass. Once we have recognized our divine dignity and relationship with God and with each other "in Christ," we go on to present ourselves only as "sinners." We claim no other titles or dignitaries. There is no one present who doesn't deserve to be there, because no one deserves to be there. Everyone is equally undeserving -- and equally accepted.

God forgives and accepts us all. The price of entry into the Eucharistic celebration is that we must forgive and accept everyone as God does, and pray for each another with hope.

No one should feel uncomfortable or feel judged coming to Mass. Deep down we all see ourselves a being just as sinful as everybody else. If we know our hearts, our spontaneous prayer ism "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Take action: Whenever you find yourself judging another person, pray, ""Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner."