I remember it like yesterday. We lined up in the pews with our Act of Contrition in our little hands and one-by-one entered the confessional for the first time to receive the forgiveness of our sins. I remember Fr. Gordon, my home pastor, being appropriately short and to the point with this young lad. He offered a few words of encouragement together with 3 Hail Marys and one Our Father for my penance. I prayed the Act of Contrition and he granted me absolution! WOW! Just like that: Thank you, Jesus! I felt great knowing I was renewed, given a fresh start, and always have after making a good confession.
Well, I had another first this past weekend: 1st Reconciliation with the children in the Religious Education program. They were adorable. Obviously they were well prepared by their parents and teachers—I coached just a little bit. They came in with a stone that had a red heart painted on it symbolizing their bad choices, actions, and behaviors that made their hearts hardened—awwwwe!
During their confessions some squirmed about, others mimicked my hand gestures, and still others stared intently at me as I spoke to them a few more words than Fr. Gordon did to me a “few years” earlier. To begin the celebration we sang “This Little Light Of Mine”. So for their penance I asked them to sing that for as much as God wanted them (aloud or silently) remembering that Jesus wants them to shine, shine, shine for Him, their parents, family, and friends! They were agreeable.
I would ask them right before the prayer of absolution if they knew what came next and they all said, “The forgiveness of sins!” It was great to see the excitement in their eyes—a grace to be asked for each day before the mysteries of faith. Absolution was granted and they left to pin their, forgiven, re-freshed, natural, non-stony heart that had their name on them on to the display board in the church—awwwwwwwwwwwwe!
Glory to you, Lord Jesus for the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation! May this priest always be a faithful confessor and even more faithful penitent!
Father Will Ganci
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My granddaughter will always remember how kind and thoughtful you were with her! She shared excitedly that her pennance was to sing a song. We all said " Sing a song?" "Yes" she said "Sing a song"!We all decided that the next time we come to confession we are going to line up in your line. We are so glad you said "Yes" to Jesus and are a priest here at Good Shepherd for us!
ReplyDeleteWOW. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI love the stony hearts. Reading your blog inspires me to go to confession. You are truly a blessing to our parish.
ReplyDeleteFr. Will, you are a good and holy man. It is Christ we see in you. We praise God for His calling to you and thank you for your "yes". May we always be like children before the Lord, seeking forgiveness and ready to shine our light for others. Pax Christi, The Laudadios
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