How is our relationship with God? Do we feel close to him? Is there something in our lives that is getting in the middle of our relationship?
Our relationship with God should always be something that we are aware of and sometimes we need to make an effort to restore that relationship due to things we have done or failed to do.
God is not only close to us, he is within us. When we receive the sacraments, we draw closer to God. If there is something getting the the way, we can start with an examination of conscience. There are
many resources available online, but we can start with what Jesus said in today’s Gospel from Mark 7: “From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed,
malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”
Answer these questions. Have I had evil thoughts? Have I been unchaste? Have I stolen anything? Have I committed murder? Have I committed any of the other acts or actions that Jesus lists in the Gospel? Are there other things I have done or failed to do that are evil?
If the answer is yes, then you should go to confession before you receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Confession and penance will help you feel closer to God again.
The teaching of the church is in these two paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
1457 According to the Church’s command, “after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.”Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession. Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.
1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:
Confession is available each Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM, or by appointment.
Have an awesome Labor Day holiday.