Awareness of our own sins and societal sin can make us feel guilty and remorseful, but we are not meant to dwell in these emotions. The word emotion is derived from the Latin word movere, which means “to move.” These emotions that we experience when we become aware of our sinfulness are God’s way of moving us to our knees before God.

If we remain stuck in the sorrow or guilt part, we may never move towards the change that God is calling us to. Being stuck is not part of God’s plan for us. He calls us to repentance so that He can forgive us and heal us. Then He wants us to show that same mercy and forgiveness to others. In this way, we are moving out of the web of sinfulness and weaving the web of His love.

Today, make an Examination of Conscience.

In this space of awareness of the need for change and desire to change, we pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness. And God’s mercy is always greater than our sin.

• Pray the Advent Prayer..

• Click video below to listen to today’s song for reflection.

• Prayerfully read Matthew 4:17, Luke 5:32, Acts 17:30-31.

• Pray for the grace of repentance (feeling such sorrow for your sin that you want to change for the better).

• Go to confession sometime during the next week.

Extra song for the Holy Day. Today, the Church celebrates the special privilege given only to Mary, preservation from the stain of original sin — The Feast of the Immaculate Conception*. Throughout the day, also reflect on the beauty of this grace given to Mary, as you consider your own sinfulness. An extra song for reflection is included below.

*The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is usually celebrated on December 8th. Since December 8th falls on a Sunday of Advent this year, the feast day is celebrated today.