Advent Reconciliation Service - St James Catholic Church - Tupelo Mississippi - Tuesday - December 2 - 6:30 pm

Gospel - 

Matthew 4:12-17

      When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.”^j From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

      We come today at the beginning of our Advent journey.  As we mentioned this past Sunday on the first Sunday of this holy season, our journey through Advent is one of hope and joy.  So why would be need to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

       This is a holy season of holy renewal, and as a part of that renewal, as a part of the on-going process of reconciliation we are called to, we are asked to reflect upon those times we have missed the mark, upon those times we’ve marred our relationship with God and our relationship with our brothers and sisters.   Jesus calls out to us in the Gospel today – “Repent – the kingdom of God is at hand.”   We heed that call to repentance.  We are at start of our Advent journey.   Many in our world are caught up in Christmas already – in shopping and celebrations and feasts. Christmas decorations are everywhere in the streets and in the stores – the celebration has already begun. Yet we sing at our Eucharistic celebrations during this holy season of Advent – O come, O come Emmanuel.  We prepare.  We wait.  And through the sacrament of reconciliation tonight, we cleanse ourselves and receive healing from God as we start our Advent journey with Jesus.

       El tiempo de adviento es un tiempo sagrado de preparación y de espera. En nuestro mundo, ya hay las fiestas y las celebraciones, las compras y la comida.  Pero, para nosotros, los seguidores de Cristo, estamos en otro camino.  No es un tiempo de penitencia y tristeza – hay un sentido de alegría y esperanza en nuestra preparación.  Y sacramento de reconciliación es una parte importante en nuestras preparaciones.  Gracias por su presencia con nosotros esta noche.   El sacramento de reconciliación es aquí para nosotros para curarnos y sanarnos – es una manera muy buena para preparar por la llegada de Cristo en el mundo.