40 Days of Seeking Him 2011 ~ Day 10

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Today in the Catholic Church, we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph. As it happens, it is also the day D celebrates his First Reconciliation. Both events give me occasion for pause.

Having a St. Joseph Altar is a tradition in many areas with a high Italian population.  If they do any blessing of the food or an actual altar here in the Anchorage Archdiocese, I have not seen mention of it.  But, back in Maryland it was a tradition many observed.  For those of us without anything organized locally, there is a Virtual St. Joseph Altar.  I am considering laying out a St. Joseph Altar in the house with D and Little J tomorrow.  But, that will have to happen after we make our trip to St. Andrew’s for First Reconciliation in the morning.

As for D’s First Reconciliation, I think he is beginning to be almost terrified of going to the priest and confessing his sins.  He’s joked for weeks that he knows exactly what to say…. “I’ve stolen 5 million times, I’ve hit my brother 5,000 times, etc.”  But on the eve of the big event, he is claiming to be sick and unable to go.  His older brothers were both nervous about their First Reconciliation and D has the added ‘pressure’ of knowing the Archbishop will be the other priest helping our pastor hear confessions.

Confessing our sins out loud to another person is a monumental task.  Even knowing that the priest is bound to keep what you say confidential does little to ease the fears of a young one (or even many adults!)  But, this Sacrament is so powerful that it is worth stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

Personally, I am praying that someone can care for Little J long enough at the church for ME to have confession time.  As much as I know that I will receive grace through my exercising of the Sacrament, I have avoided it for far too long. 

One friend from Ohio referred to the absolution received during the Sacrament as a way to “reset our clock” pointing towards 12 (in line with God.)  The longer you go between confession and the more sin you accumulate on your soul, the further you move from that position.  And, with that movement, it becomes harder and harder to take the step needed to reconcile with God.  There might not be serious sin weighing on my heart, but all those little ones add up fast.  A book I’m reading to review next week has honed that point for me by reminding how after a while those little sins make it easier for us to commit larger ones with hardly a second thought.

Prayers for a good celebration of First Reconciliation are appreciated if you are reading this in the morning.  (We’ll be done by Noon Alaskan time.)  Then, D, J and I can enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening at home with hopes of creating our own St. Joseph Altar.