May 15
St. Isidore the Farmer
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained" (John 20: 19-23).
This Gospel passage shows us that Christ enabled the apostles to forgive sins. When we go to the Sacrament of Confession and we sincerely confess our sins to the Priest we are then able to have a fresh start. It is like a spiritual shower – we are cleansed and refreshed.
Holy Spirit, inspire me to be courageous and to love the Sacrament of confession as an opportunity to grow closer to You.
Impact Sports: Have I ever invited a priest to hear confessions at practice so the whole team could go?
Impact Life: When I watch movies can I notice the elements Jesus would approve of and those he would not?
