Period of Purification & Enlightenment
During the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, one enters the period of purification and enlightenment. This is a time of intense preparation for those who are on the journey to the sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church. Having listened to the voice of God and making intentional desire to receive the sacraments in the church, attention is focused on readiness. This type of preparation attends more specifically to the loving mercy of God. Therefore, the candidates begin a deliberate period of purification. This is a time of examination of conscience. Looking at areas they need to be cleansed, enlightens or strengthened. This is a time of more interior reflection. It is intended to purify minds and hearts. Holy Saturday will be the day of proximate preparation for the celebration of the sacraments with the day filled with opportunities to get ready for receiving the sacraments.
We should all take similar steps this period. We should embrace the means we are given as we accompany our candidates to prepare for the Easter festivities. Particularly we should seek to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective or sinful in our hearts. We should accept the power of Christ to deliver us from the power of sin and Satan and to protect us against temptation.
Just like Jesus cleansed the temple, we too should heed his voice. “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace” John 2:16. Remember we are temples of the Holy Spirit, a dwelling place of God. Whatever is contrary to God we should submit to the power of Christ and allow him to cleanse us.
I suggest we all make a good confession this Lent. Prepare your confession by making a examination of conscience. This is a spiritual exercise that prayerful questions our actions or lack thereof in relation to the God’s commands and the precepts of the church. A few booklets and pamphlets are made available for you to help in the examination of conscience. Take some time to pray and let the light of Christ shine in your heart. Confession is about pardon and peace. It’s a gift of mercy. Confession gives us new strength to in our spiritual life and opens our hearts to receive the gifts of the savior. With minds made pure and hearts renewed and strengthened, Easter celebrations will lift us up to a fullness of life in Christ.
If you have not been to confession in a long time, tell the priest and you will be guided. If the times of confession made available do not work for your schedule, please call for an appointment. How powerful it is for us to welcome new Catholics and at the same time have a renewal of faith ourselves.
Jesus thy kingdom come! In my heart through Mary! ~Fr. Gabriel