Feasts, Seasons, Sacraments

Twice as nice

My friend Greg’s son, Zack, recently participated in his first Reconciliation. Later that day, Zack and a few of his buddies were getting a ride to a game. They talked about the experience, remembering how nervous they’d been, but also how they came away not only relieved but feeling so good, fresh, and clean.

     The subject turned to penance. "The priest told me I should tell my brother and my sister I like them," said Zack.

     At this news, younger brother Nate perked up from the back of the minivan. "Hey, you didn’t tell me you like me."

And Zack, who had indeed earlier said those words to his younger brother, did a remarkable thing. Rather than getting defensive and countering, "I did, too!" he stopped for a second, turned to his brother calmly, and said, "I like you, Nate." And then, turning to his friends he said, "I feel good all over again!"

Greg was thrilled to tell this story because it shows that his son and his friends had gotten the message loud and clear. Do the right thing, get back on track, clear the decks, and you wind up feeling wonderful. Reconciliation is not meant as punishment for what we’ve done wrong, but a way toward true happiness.

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