I wish I could get people who have spent and are spending time in the chapel to share the blessings that come to them for choosing to be with the Lord, looking at him, letting him look upon us (always with love and mercy) and to give thanks for the gift we have here in this parish of Eucharistic Adoration.  I'm confident that among other things, they would echo my own sentiments that it is the most "productive" time I spend every day, though it doesn't involve me "doing" anything.  It is surrendering time to be with the Lord that I open myself up to be directed by the Lord and give him individually the praise and worship that is due him as God and humbly present my sinfulness to him, asking for his mercy and the grace to do better.

Dan Ferguson, a parishioner who recently died after battling heart disease and cancer, spoke to me numerous times of his missing the time he spent with Jesus, especially as a faithful and regular sub in our Perpetual Adoration Ministry during the overnight hours because of his ongoing and worsening health condition.  He told me more than once that he was not afraid to die, and I believe that attitude in large part resulted from the time he spent with the Lord in our chapel.  

If you have not chosen to spend any time in our chapel, please consider doing it early in this new year.  Discover the special blessings that come when you make a commitment to be in the Lord's presence for at least one hour a week as a scheduled Adorer or regular substitute Adorer (call Tom Donnelly at 501-915-0880 to find out more or to sign up).  Jesus is waiting for you to come to him with your joys and sorrows, your problems and challenges and your contrite and humble heart.  How can we say "no" to such a wonderful invitation?

I hope your won't be surprised if I continue to write on New year's "Spiritual Resolutions" by including The Sacrement of the Sick (or Anointing) to the encouragement to receive the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation more frequently this year.  Granted the Sacrament of the Sick is not something that can or should be received as frequently as Eucharist and Reconciliation.  It is meant for those with serious sicknesses of mind, body and/or spirit AND the elderly (if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present....General Instruction #11).  The General Instruction on this sacrament makes it clear that it is NOT only or primarily meant for the dying, as it says: "A return to physical health may follow the reception of this sacrament if it will be beneficial to the person's salvation." (6).  It speaks as well of the many benefits of the sacrament including the powerful grace of the Holy Spirit by which the "whole person" is helped and saved, is sustained by trust in God, is  strengthened against the temptations of the Evil One and against anxiety over death." (6).  The faith of both the minister of the sacrament and even more so of the recipient is important as the sick person will be saved by personal faith and the faith of the Church.  The Sacrament is normally administered in church, in a hospital, an assisted living facility, a nursing home or someone's home.  It can be administered to people who are facing serious surgery and to a child in need who is over the age of reason.  

Currently it is being offered quarterly here at Sacred Heart Church at Mass in April, July, October 2020 and January 2021 and whenever a person's condition requires it and they give consent.  When received with faith I have seen many benefits of the sacrament experienced by the recipient, especially the gift of "peace."  During the rite I often use Jesus powerful words: "Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:29-30) because, among other things it encourages us to come to him regularly AND when the need, physical, mental or spiritual is great to receive the healing, comforting gifts of the Lord in this powerful sacrament!

Last week I wrote about Spiritual New Year's resolutions and encouraged the practice of participating in at least one week day Mass not only during the Lenten Season but all year long.  I wish everyone could talk to those who participate in weekday Mass to hear what a difference it makes in their spiritual life and their life as a whole.  If you do something like play golf or tennis or work out at least twice a week, how about participating in Mass at least one more time than is obligatory by the Church. 

This week I would like to write about more frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a possible New Year's resolution.  A few days ago, one of my nieces called me and eventually asked me to speak to her boyfirend about "Why Catholics confess to a priest" instead of just going to God for forgiveness.  While I didn't speak of all the reasons Catholics are strongly encouraged to receive the Sacrament, I did indicate to him that our sins are rarely "just" against God.  Not only can our words and actions harm another person or person, it also makes "The Body of Christ" less than it is called to be, healthy and growing in virtue in the Lord.  When we "Confess" to the priest we are receiving Reconciliation with God and The "Body of Christ" and thereby making the Body of Christ healthier and better able to give witness to the Lord.  Knowing that what you confess to a priest WILL NOT be shared with anyone and the reality that the priest is there not to scold us, but to help us to break the habits of sin with his counsel and with the grace that comes from God to avoid sin in the future. 

While we are blessed to be above the average in those who participate in our Advent and Lenten Reconciliation Services, the reality is that many more than that don't seem to avail themselves to the Sacrament at all in an average year.  More than a few times Jesus urged his disciples to humble themselves and so be lifted up by the Lord in spirit and in other ways.  If you are going to the Sacrament now twice a year, how about committing to go four times a year during each of the four seasons of nature.  If you are not going at all, consider starting to go at least during Advent and Lent, when if you choose, you can receive forgiveness through the instrument of a priest that you don't know.  I can provide an examination of conscience to anyone who requests one and trust me, I and most priests can and will help you with the mechanics of receiving the Sacrament and will not chide you if it has been a long time since you received the Sacrament.  I am always open to sharing what i believe is one of the true treasures of our faith that is so useful in helping us to be saintlier and more secure in the love of the Lord and prepare us for the banquet feast of heaven.