[NYer]

Advent is a time of preparation for the birth of the Christ Child. During this beautiful season, as we clean the house for our guests, it also time to 'cleanse our souls' for The Messiah's arrival.

Tonight, as undercover cops were arresting someone outside, we gathered inside for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The turnout was quite good - ALL Roman Catholics! Since the service was combined with Day 5 of the Christmas Novena, Father began by placing the host in the Monstrance. It was truly in His Presence, that we began our hymns, Scripture Readings, and reflections in preparation for confession. It began with the following Maronite hymn.

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I year for your pardon, O Lord,
Give me tears to repent in this Advent season.
Lord have mercy.

I beg for your favors, O Lord, For your mercy I thirst, for your kindness and love.
Lord have mercy.

Against you, O Lord, I have sinned,
Hear the cry of my voice, turn your ear to my prayer.
Lord forgive me.

O wash me O Lord from my guilt,
Purify me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord forgive me.

First Reading - Baruch 5:1-9
Second Reading - Phillipians 1:3-6, 8-11
Gospel Reading - Luke 6:27-38

What a glorious feeling to hear those words:

I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Wishing you all a truly Blessed Christmas!