Pastor's Corner July 27, 2003 |
17th Ordinary Sunday |
In the past, only the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church have
the reconciliation Sacrament. Nevertheless, a lot of priests from the Protestant
Church are encouraging parishioners to confess their sins to the ministers in their
parishes today. Brian McPherson, from the United Methodist Church in Dallas State,
says, "making confession in the presence of another human being keeps us honest.
We all know kings and queens of denial. Confession removes that denial and makes
us healthy."
Thomas Q. Robbins, another minister from the United Methodist Church,
says, "protestants tend to reduce everything to a logical exercise. A ritual would help
penetrate our rational defenses and allow more healing to take place."
"Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be
healed." (James 5:16)
Rev. Denise Philips, who serves at the Catholic Student Centre at the University of
Dallas, says, &Quot;the time has changed. More parishioners choose to have the
Reconciliation Sacrament through talking to the priests. Penance is no longer
restrained to only prayers. For example, I would suggest parishioners who don't get
along well with their families to pray for their family members at least once in their
daily prayers."
We are always welcome in God's embrace. Let us rest peacefully in His mercy.
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