Dear Parishioners,

Scripture reminds us that God has "anointed" us to be authentic in our faith life. Such authenticity will always show itself by how we act in response to our call received in Baptism and the other Sacraments. If we fail through weakness and sin, God has provided us grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. True reconciliation requires three essential elements: "contrition, confession of sins, and satisfaction." We know that only God can forgive sin and all of its consequences. God will always forgive the person who is willing to receive the grace of forgiveness. However, there can be no real forgiveness if there is no willingness on the part of the sinner to receive it. True "contrition" must be more than words. True "contrition" must come from the heart.

All healthy relationships must contain several fundamental phrases: I love you - I am sorry - I forgive you. These phrases must be more that just "lip service." They must come from the heart in order to have an effect. The willingness to repair a damaged relationship will never be refused by God. Along with the repair, should always be a determination to change one's behavior. For love without action is not love. Just as God has shown His love for us by sending Jesus Christ who suffered, died and rose for us, we too are challenged to show our love by how we treat one another. You cannot say that you love God if you do not show love toward others - including those you might list as enemies. You cannot say that you are a good person if you do not take seriously the words you say and the words you pray: "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

Therefore, just as Jesus showed great compassion, mercy and love toward the sinful woman who washed His feet with her tears and hair, so too, in the name of Jesus, we are to be the same toward others in all of the circumstances of our lives. By following the example of Christ in bringing about true reconciliation in all of our relationships, we can take comfort and be assured of our own salvation. Regarding the sinful woman, Jesus said, "her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Therefore, faith rooted in love, mercy and forgiveness will always bring about reconciliation where needed and result in peace. God offers each of us an incredible gift of love through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I ask you to pray with me for all believers to take advantage of this great gift. There is no substitute for the grace that one receives when there is a willingness to say, "I am sorry." The confessional lines in many of our churches are few and short at best. Is it because many of our people have achieved sainthood here on earth or is it because many of our people refuse to recognize the need to reconcile? Together, let us pray with the Psalmist who writes:

"Lord, forgive the wrong I have done." "Blessed is the one whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile."

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Tarantino
Pastor