J1ST 055: Repentance

Just One Small Thing Podcast for Catholic Parents

Welcome back, friends!

And, before I even get into things I just want you to know that today's episode is so good. SO GOOD! I was shocked because today's topic is Repentance. It is the virtue assigned to the 3rd Luminous Mystery, the Preaching of the Kingdom. At first glance it doesn't seem like there would be much to say about repentance, right? I mean, feel sorry for what you did, and accept forgiveness.

But here is the thing. As people that have been lucky enough to grow up with the idea of repentance and forgiveness we have lost sight of just how amazing this whole things is--how it turns everything the world teaches us on its head and how we as Christians have such a crazy, incredible opportunity to START AGAIN.

You see, here's the thing. Each day we make a million choices, and those choices result in actions. Words we say, or don't say. Things we do or don't do. And the actions we do have a ripple effect out into the world. Our actions can be good and life-giving, or the opposite. And after we make a choice and the resulting action, we can never undo that. It's just out there.

At least, that is without the grace of God.

I love the story of St. Faustina. When she asked Christ what her last sin was he responded, "I don't remember."

With Jesus we have the GIFT of starting again and again with a clean slate. What a gift!

All the we have to do to receive this gift is to approach God with repentance. Repentance requires 2 things: looking back on our sins with regret and detest. And looking forward, to our future, with the determination to stop sinning.

And then, of course, we must be open to receiving the gift of grace that God generously pours out on us.

Incredible, right?

Before I go, here are a few helpful links:

• If you have yet to check out my Marian-Themed Academic Planner, make sure to do so before supplies run out.
• You can also grab a Rosary Bookletwith all of the virtue as well as a reflection, verses and prayers for each mystery.
• And finally, have you downloaded your FREE Rosary Virtue Coloring Sheets yet? If not, grab them HERE.

Such a joy to be here with you today!

Your sister in the small things,

Nancy