How Do They Live Without It??

I received the Sacrament of Reconciliation this past weekend. I'm not sure I will be able to convey to you the extraordinary experience that happened in me, but I will try.

I decided to go to a different parish for Reconciliation. I don't like going to priests that know me-and I'm still one of those who prefer the screen. I knew that I needed to go, but it was rather on an intellectual level. I'd messed up, my prayer life was suffering and I knew that my sin was probably the cause of my not hearing the Lord as I should. So, I should go to Confession.

I went to this parish that others have told me is exceptional in it's practices as well as it's appearance. And truly, it was lovely. The entrace way had the appearance of an Italian prince's living room, a prince dedicated to the Church-it had pictures and relics and exquisite furniture. Inside the main Church it was quite open and airy, lots of beautiful stained glass windows and the baptismal font trickling and echoing. I was met with the sound of angels singing "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" and was drawn to the ornate gold tabernacle in front of which knelt.

I know it was a CD, but the music, combined with the ornateness and open feeling made me really think about preparing for the Sacrament.

The line wasn't long, and Father didn't say anything profound, but when I came out, with all of the atmosphere, the immediate release of my sins I knelt in front of the Eucharist and wondered "How do they do withOUT this?! I mean, I love our Protestant brothers and sisters, but Why would anyone reject THIS?!" My intellectual "shouldness" disolved into a passionate desire for Jesus in the Eucharist. To be near him. To dwell always in his presence. How lucky are we to have the Sacraments and Jesus' Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity with us!! Present! Concrete! In the Flesh!

Who can survive, really, without this?!!