Dear Friend,
To hear this letter read by Ever, listen here:
A friend of ours—who shall remain anonymous!—told us: “I always make sure to go to confession right before our holiday visit to the in-laws!”
After sharing a big laugh, we saw the profound truth in our friend’s practice: forgiveness and grace need to be at the heart of Advent. Christmas without forgiveness is a lost opportunity. A tragedy, even.
With less than two weeks before we celebrate Christ’s birth, many of us are busy writing cards, buying gifts, and preparing for celebrations with extended family and friends. But there are less fun things to tend to as well.
Spending time with family inevitably means being with the ones we are likely to have hurt the most. And of course, this pain is usually a two-way street, as we look back on how others have hurt us. Most auto accidents happen within a mile or two of home, where we feel a little too comfortable and let our guard down—just so, our acts of selfishness, pride, impatience, envy, resentment, anger, and more happen close to home as well, among the ones we love best.
With this in mind, our friend’s call to confession is needed and urgent. Each of us desires to wake up on Christmas morning with a heart that is ready to welcome Him. And freshly renewed by our own encounter with Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent, we can prepare our hearts to welcome our parents, children, in-laws, uncles and aunts, cousins, and others.
To skip confession in the lead-up to our encounter with Christ is to deny ourselves the Lord’s mercy. It also denies our loved ones the Christlike joy, peace, and love that we otherwise might impart, on account of knowing that we have been forgiven. And knowing that we have chosen to forgive.
Jesus taught us, plainly and simply: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The Feast of the Nativity fast approaches. May we run with haste to receive the gift of Christ’s mercy. And may we offer that gift lavishly to others in the days ahead.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
>“Yes,” said the Most Rev. Paul Loverde, Bishop Emeritus of Arlington, in a beautiful talk (transcript here and 15-min. video here) at Trinity House Cafe last Advent, “there is time in Advent for the family to reap new beginnings, make new inroads, so the family can become what it is called to be—this domestic church. It can become an expression even more of the presence of the Trinity. The family can become a living Trinity House: welcoming, listening, serving; being grateful for the gifts given, and living in joyful hope for the gifts God will give us, especially the gift of one another in the family, and the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior.”
> “Maybe I need to ask forgiveness, grant forgiveness, clarify a situation, pay a debt,” said Pope Francis in his homily just a few days ago. Check out “Prepare for Christmas by Serving Others, Pope Says” (OSV) to read more.
> In “Christmas is About Love and Forgiveness” (A Catholic Moment), Laura Kazlas writes, “Christmas is about love and forgiveness….God’s love for us, by sending His Son for the forgiveness of our sins, but also – our love for one another and the forgiveness of any traces of sin that lie between us.”
> For those special people in your life, check out “12 Gift Ideas for Priests, Nuns and Religious” (Aleteia). More Person & Relationships Tools….
> We are so glad you are enjoying the Heaven in Your Home Letters! To help the Trinity House Community ministry begin 2022 on strong footing, will you consider a monthly donation of $10, $20, $50 or more—or a one-time gift? Please make your commitment to renew family life with your gift today!
> We’re working with parishes, schools, and ministries to schedule 2022 talks. We’d love to speak to your group about a vision for the family and finding heaven in your home – to explore this possibility, check out our booking page here.
“The Heaven in Your Home Workshop was a true inspiration. Soren and Ever stay down to earth about the messiness of family life while at the same time opening our hearts towards a more beautiful vision. They help us in the gap between reality and what we strive towards, providing tools and encouragement in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
– Matt and Christine Chaterdon, Falls Church
