The Gift of the Rosary and Reconciliation

Today is one of the days I'm glad I remain a Roman Catholic.

There was no pressing urge. There was no horrid sin I suddenly felt needed to be unburdened from. There was none of the oft-mentioned, much-maligned "Catholic guilt". I simply felt off. I wasn't at ease, for no particular reason. I didn't feel at peace. I tried praying, and no answer (to my perception anyhow) was forthcoming. Instead of wallowing in the irritating confusion, I decided to plan my lunch around getting to church; see if anything could be brought to light there. I wasn't particularly focused nor hopeful. I simply had a free lunch hour.

I got to St. Brigid's after Daily Mass had completed. I figured I'd see if God had anything to reveal to me through praying the Rosary (the Rosary Society prays in church directly after Mass). I settled in and began following along withe the prayer. As we got to "...pray for us sinners" in the first Hail Mary, I looked toward the back of the church and noticed there were only a few people on line for Confession; there are usually many more on a nice day like today. I figured that this could be Someone nudging me along; I was moved to ready myself to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I continued to pray the Rosary as I waited, reflecting on any damaged areas in my relationship with my God. I was surprised to find there were more than I'd realized, more than I usually feel comfortable with. I was exactly where I was supposed to be, as is the case more often than not. My turn came as the last decade of the Rosary was completed.

Although I won't share the details of my Confession - that's between Christ and myself - I will say that it was precisely what the Doctor ordered! I returned to work refreshed, renewed, and wonderfully reconciled with my God.

Thank You, O God for Your mercy and for prayers joyfully answered! You heal me and You comfort me!

Act of Contrition ('Irish' version)
O my God, I am heartily sorry
for having offended Thee
and I detest my sins
above every other evil
because they displease Thee, my God,
Who, in Thy infinite wisdom,
art so deserving of all my love
and I firmly resolve
with the help of Thy grace
never more to offend Thee
and to amend my life.
Amen

Daily Mass Readings
Genesis 1:1-19
Psalm 104:1-2,5-6,10,12,24,35c
Mark 6:53-56