December 13, 2017

Gospel: Mt 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy; and my burden is light.“

REFLECTION:
In a parish with old religious beliefs and traditions, there are people who still do the flagellation practices during Holy Week as a sign of penance and contrition for their sins. Though the Church does not condemn this practice, she does not recommend it. This is not to discredit­ this tradition, but there is a better way to encounter the forgiving Christ–the wonderful sacrament of reconciliation. Through the absolution of the priest the sinner has the assurance that sins are forgiven by Christ, who died for him/her on the cross. We do not have to whip ourselves physically and carry wooden crosses as symbolic gestures of repentance. We cannot gain our salvation by our own ­efforts but through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
In humility, let us unburden our sinful self to the Lord through this sacrament. God constantly invites us, “Come to me, all you labor and are burdened…“