The other night some tired dirty kids were looking for their beds, at about sunset, as we were starting to get some of the mess cleaned up at our place... Grandma had her camera, and Ruth had the rake and was cleaning up the remants of the old hay shed that had blown down and was burning... the kids, dogs and I sat on the edge of the old foundation and listened to misquitoes buzz in our ears and look down at our dirty feet, and clothes. Mary and I eventually walked back to check out the sunset across the corn field behind our farm.
Today in the morning prayer that Pat and I managed to do before he headed off on the baler with a hopeful heart to finally get some of his hay baled... much was swept away in the storm of the century! The prayer centered on our sinfulness and how the Lord is there to forgive if we only are contrite for our faults and weaknesses... The example to us was the prodigal son... that says it all right there! Jesus tells us today in the Gospel - "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves." Mt 10: 16
"I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to himi, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.'" Luke 15: 18-19 I read a little booklet that came in the mail from America needs Fatima last night called The Golden Key to Paradise- Perfect Contrition- and it was good to be reminded that each night we should be exmamining our consciences and asking for forgiveness in order to keep on the path of "sainthood." As my son in law, Joseph, is famous for saying - "We are all called to be saints." We are not given low standards as Christians, but are called to reach for the stars with the help of Christ as we follow him carrying our cross. 
"every evening do not fail to make an act of contrition along with your prayers... Do not say that the examination of conscience and perfect contrition is good for priests and perfect souls, do not say, 'I don't have time in the evening, I am too tired!' A few minutes will suffice... After praying, think a few moments about the faults and the sins of the day and recite slowly and fervently, at the foot of the crucifix, the act of contrition. If you should ever have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin, do not remain in that state. Restore yourself by perfect contrition. Restore yourself at once, or at least at your evening prayers, and without delay go to confession." J De DrieschAct of Contrition
"O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins because of your just punishment, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. "
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church; 1430-31
"Jesus calls to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before Him, does not aim first at outward works,'sackcloth and ashes,' fasting and mortification, but at the CONVERSION OF THE HEART, INTERIOR CONVERSION. Without this, such penance remain sterile and false, however, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance.
Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. AT the same time it entails the desire and resolution to change one's life, with hope in God's mercy and trust in the help of his grace."
Lord God, we love you and need you and want to in every way stay close to you as we walk through this life carrying our cross and coming after you down the path that you have laid out before us. It is narrow and hard... yet we long to be simple as doves in how we rid ourselves of those things that seperate us from you... May we soar to new heights as we leave the burdens of our sins behind each night as we go to sleep and rise to face the new day filled with your love and forgiveness. May we take advantage of the deeper healing of your words coming to us through your priest - "Go in peace. Your sins are forgiven." Jesus, we trust in you! Amen and Halleluia!
Bless-bless, Barb"What a loss that people do not better understand its importance at this last moment of life...
Every one rushes about; they do not understand the tears and cries; they lose their heads; they go to find the doctor or the priest; they bring fresh water and all the remedies that they secretly possess. And while the sick person is in agony, perhaps, has pity on his immortal soul; no one suggests to him an act of perfect contrition. If you find yourself in a similar situation, hasten to the side of the dying person and, calmly and serenly presenting to him, if possible, the image of Jesus crucified, with a sure voice and firm voice, tell him to think and to repeat from the depths of his soul what you are about to say. Then slowly and clearly recite the act of contrition even though it would appear that sick person understands and comprehends nothing. You will have done a supremely good work... It is not necessary to speak to him about confession. Urge him to make an act of love of God and of Jesus crucified in slowly reciting to him the act of contrition." from this booklet by J. De Driesch
I have been at many deathbeds in my years of work with hospice and have never done this... I thought that it was worth sharing if it should present itself with a close family member down the road... I have shared the familiar prayers with families and their dying family member in the last moments of life... "The Our Father" certainly is "an act of love of God" and gives comfort to all as we are praying the prayer that Jesus taught us! Much to take to heart! Barb
Just thought this picture of Nancy with 6 week old Gus would warm the cockles of your hearts...
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