Being Sick

It seems like right now many folks are sick with the flu or other sicknesses. (Please know I am praying for you!) There are times when we are sick and push on through to make it for the day and then crash at home. Then, there are those times that we cannot make it through the day and need to visit the doctor for treatment. It can be humbling to go to someone else to seek help and treatment and recognize that there is something more that needs to be taken care of quickly. With proper care and treatment, we get well and back to good health.

In the spiritual life, our sins make our souls sick. Sure, some sins can make a smaller strain in our relationship with God and we "get by for the day," but over time those little ailments may grow into something bigger and we crash. And then there are those times we are majorly ill in the spiritual life and we know it. In those moments and in the small moments we need to seek the ultimate healer, God, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the confessional the priest shares God's merciful love and healing. He will also give a treatment of penance for you to do to help get you well.

I recognize that going to confession can be uncomfortable and not the top of fun things to do on a weekend. I don't enjoy saying all the things I have done to turn against God to my priest, but I know once I do and receive God's mercy and forgiveness I can get my soul well again. I once heard going to confession is like throwing up. You feel absolutely awful while it is happening and see it all come out; however, once you are done your body feels better. So, if it has been quite some time since your last confession or even if it was not that long ago, I encourage you to seek out the Sacrament to get well soon.

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Father in Heaven,

When we are sick give us great humility to meet you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please give us the graces we need to make a good confession to become well again. And please bless my priest who hears my confession that he may be an instrument of your loving mercy and forgiveness. 

In your name,

Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,

Elizabeth