I went to confession today, the first time in maybe 30 years. I cried in front of the priest even before I started. There's something about confession that strips you down to your soul, and you feel so relieved and at peace afterwards.
@@_ready__ T]he disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:20-23
@@llarpi ✅Confession Paul, as the apostle of the Gentiles and the apostle of grace, did not write believers should “confess” their sins. He wrote they should repent, walk in the Spirit, and be filled with the Spirit. John wrote from the gospel of the kingdom perspective. Paul wrote our sins have been forgiven (Ephesians 1.7; Colossians 1.14). For Paul, forgiveness is a past, irrevocable act. No conditionality of forgiveness exists. Paul never wrote that believers should ask for forgiveness. One doesn’t ask for what one already has…. Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Colossians 1:14 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Grace and peace
@@llarpi You are dead unto sin. 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:25). Did God forgive all our sins, even those of the past and those we will commit in the future? We will see what the Bible says. In the above scripture, we read of past sins. Does it mean God only forgives sins we committed in the past? Read with me in Colossians: 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13). God has forgiven all our sins. Sins of the past and sins we will commit in the future. As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will sin. However, sin is not the issue anymore. It was before we believed in the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are now 'in Christ'. He is our sanctification (Rom. 4:25). We received a new identity in Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see any of our mistakes. We are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God sees his Son when he looks at us because we received the righteousness of Christ. God dealt with our sins on the cross at Calvary. When it comes to his children, God will not look at their sins. Paul wrote: "For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). The grace of God calls on us who belong to God to do away with sins in our lives. The new identity we received in Christ empowers us to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6:11). Do not focus on sin. You are dead unto sin! You do not need to fear the sting of death anymore (1 Cor. 15:56). We can say with the apostle Paul: 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57). 😊
Prayers are all I need so Please pray for me things are difficult on me at this time. As I continue to struggle putting groceries in my refrigerator and paying bills. I keep my faith in Jesus. I know God will see me through this hard time. Both of my children are autistic, I’m overwhelmed at times. Thankfully I put all my trust in Jesus. I lost my job as a social worker at Forsyth hospital because I declined the vaccine. I declined because of my pre existing health condition lupus and heart disease. I was denied my medical/religious exemption. I wish I could go back to the hospital but the mandate is STILL in place for hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid. I’m waitressing and I’m so THANKFUL to be working again, but I’m not making nearly enough to make ends meet. I get harassed and called names for simply asking for prayers, but prayers are all we need, because God hears ALL OF our prayers. It is JESUS that gives me strength to keep going. I have faith God will provide. He HAS THIS FAR. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Please pray for me and my children.
I wonder if you're the woman in the comments I prayed for before. I will again! I'll be a stepmother to an autistic child next year, and so the Lord has really put in my heart to pray for children and parents of such need.
It seems to me you are a victim soul but God is giving you the strength to bear your cross. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your children in my daily prayers. May God keep you always in His loving embrace. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
There is a saying from Eastern Christianity that also highlights Bishop’s last points, “God became man, not to make bad people good, but to make dead people live.” Thank you for your reflections on 2nd Sunday of Advent, Bishop Barron.
Man this sermon hit home a lot. Went to mid-day mass on Wednesday, last day before Advent, wasn't planning on going to confession, and don't normally go to confession at that particular chapel, but took communion and was immediately hit with an overwhelming sense of unworthiness; as soon as the mass ended I asked the priest to hear my confession, which he did, honestly felt close to tears going into the confession, and felt this huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I don't think it was coincidental that I felt compelled by the holy spirit to go to confession the day before the start of advent.
So much in this sermon! Thank you. I am in Cambodia for a time and see how the desert comes to me here, to witness to God’s grace, to offer my own vision - if Christ can look thru my sinful eyes. To see about bringing joy, the joy of Christ. I ask any of Bishop Barron’s listeners to pray for the people of Cambodia. They are a sweet people, pulling their lives together after many years of strife including Covid. Not many Christians here, few Catholics. But they are so open to grace. Much peace to all of good will as we soldier on toward our living God.
I hope the people of Cambodia learn about and accept Jesus. I know the French brought Catholicism to Vietnam although it is still a small minority religion there. Catholicism is also growing in China. I hope the Holy Spirit will bring a new spirit of evangelism to that part of the world.
As a layperson of same age, I had the tendency to avoid Confession until recently. Father asked me a simple question, to look upon the crucifix on the wall. When I did, I experienced a profound sense of purpose that still guides me today. The mystery of the Holy Sacraments truly is water for the garden of the soul. God bless
Great sermon. I´ve been to confession today. I need grace so much. Thousands of people on the streets outside of the church. Still many at the mass. But only 3 at confession.
The only way to the father (God) is through the son. The thousands of people in the street and in mass have a direct communication line to the father. That’s wat it tell us
There was about 20 for confession. I view the confessional as the narrow gate that leads to the kingdom through salvific grace as only one person at a time, save an interpretor, can enter. The Eucharist is the kingdom on earth celebrated along with heavenly kingdom; "As on earth as it is in heaven."
Well, convert! Check out Father Mike Schmitz and Father Casey (breaking in the habit) Father Chris Alar (a teaching priest) are also terrific. Bishop Barron is Great!
Thank you for a great message. As someone from a Protestant church, I think not having confession or any similar outlet for honest reflection is one of the reasons I see so many people at church, including myself, pretending that everything is fine. It is a missed opportunity to go deeper.
I'm Presbyterian and we have time for corporate and silent personal confession at each worship service. It's up to each participant to stand there in silence or to stand in silence and confess your sin to God. I think confession is good for our whole being, not just our soul. There is so much in life that weighs us down and we can't do much about it. We can confess our sin, our mistakes, our acts of unkindness or unthinking and lighten our load.
Bishop Barron is a modern day John the Baptist, challenging us to prepare for the coming of Christ. Praying that this Advent will be a “metanoia” experience for all Catholics.
@P!nned By Bishop Robert Barron... I know you are aware that John The Prepared of the way of Jesus Christ would not have been in a position to forgive sin only Jesus could do that and it was met with anger
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. - Psalm 51: 10,12 (NRSV)
Let the windowing fan of Jesus and the wind of the Holy Spirit blow away the chaff in our life, so that the undesirable and useless in us can decrease. Thereby making room to welcome Christ to dwell in us so that He may, in our lives, increase. John the Baptist: I must decrease, Jesus must increase.
*"The Church wants to divinize you, to draw you into the divine life. That's what Advent's about, that you might welcome Christ who wants to live in you."* - BISHOP BARRON
Another brilliant and remarkable sermon from bishop barron. Bishop barron you continually strengthen my faith. Thank you for everything you do at word on fire and your influence is making a big impact. God bless you bishop barron you are a treasure.
Confession? You are dead unto sin. 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:25). Did God forgive all our sins, even those of the past and those we will commit in the future? We will see what the Bible says. In the above scripture, we read of past sins. Does it mean God only forgives sins we committed in the past? Read with me in Colossians: 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13). God has forgiven all our sins. Sins of the past and sins we will commit in the future. As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will sin. However, sin is not the issue anymore. It was before we believed in the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are now 'in Christ'. He is our sanctification (Rom. 4:25). We received a new identity in Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see any of our mistakes. We are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God sees his Son when he looks at us because we received the righteousness of Christ. God dealt with our sins on the cross at Calvary. When it comes to his children, God will not look at their sins. Paul wrote: "For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). The grace of God calls on us who belong to God to do away with sins in our lives. The new identity we received in Christ empowers us to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6:11). Do not focus on sin. You are dead unto sin! You do not need to fear the sting of death anymore (1 Cor. 15:56). We can say with the apostle Paul: 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57). 😊
We are blessed to have the possibility to listen this Sunday's sermons. Greetings from the missionaries priests from Did Galgallo desert in norther Kenya!! Blessed Sunday!!!
7:30 "The culture will tell us in a thousand ways 'You're okay. Everything's fine.'" Bishop Barron, I really liked your article that was included in the first week of "The Word Became Flesh" Advent booklet with that thought and talks about how we need to feel like we need to be saved before a savior comes.
I found out that go to Confession is the easiest way to open up my heart and my soul to accept His graces and words. This is the fastest way to walk into heaven on earth. From here I can walk on the path of the Beatitudes to enter the gate of the internal life, Jesus Christ. My Catholic friends. Go. Make peace with Him. The more you do the easier it gets. God bless you and your family.
@@_ready__ Let put the confession aside for now. 1st. Have you ever wondered why this universe comes into being? The James Web’s scope didn’t help the Big Bang theory. Why every single cells in my body function amazingly well? Who control time? Why am I decaying and die? Why no one escape death? Is this life of mine finished once the heart stopped beating and the brain stopped working? What is my purpose for existing? Why all the pleasures faded away? What is love? Why this human love doesn’t last for ever? Where am I going to have the joy of life? 2nd. Do you think the solar system we are in operating by itself or some being put it in motion? Does God exist? When you get answers to these questions and if find Jesus Christ is the Emanuel then we will continue to talk about what is heaven? Where is it? How to get there? Which path to take the get there? Why should I talk to the man in the dress? and why do I want to go to confession?
@@27lamar Genesis 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Colossians 2:13 (KJV) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Peace
@@_ready__ truthfully the confessional is the narrow gate that only one can enter at a time but few have the strength to confess their most private sin. Those who deny this are like Jesus followers who left Him because they didn't understand the gravity of His words in John six as literal and scattered like lost sheep at the roar of the Lion.
The more you go to the sacrament of reconciliation the more you love and actually look forward to it and the Holy Spirit speaks to your soul and says “yes, it’s time again. Go!” Don’t listen to what priests or religious say about how often to go. Listen to your soul. It will tell you.
Thank you, Bishop Barron, for your inspiring words. I’m going to Confession this week. Yes indeed, Metanoia is what we need, a profound experience of Conversion in how we think and how we see everything in our life. May we all be led to this wonderful conversion through Confession during this Advent. And peace be with you all. 🕯🕊🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💖
I am enlightened by your explanations and interpretations of the Bible, especially The Gospels which fill me with joy, thank you, Bishop. It also startles me that I am not "marching in Christ's Army", and how my life is filled with so much distraction, I pray every day to tell our Heavenly Father how appreciative and grateful I am for my life, and I endeavor to become a better version of myself while remaining focused on Christ so that when it is my turn to pass from this earthly realm I may live on high in the Heavenly realm with our God, Lord, Holy Spirit, Father, Master, Teacher, Friend with all of us in a joyful way I cannot even imagine. Thank you Bishop for the immense effort and time you put into creating and posting videos and helping so many of us sinners, I truly appreciate the Spiritual guidance.
Totally enjoy your teachings, totally enjoyed your interview with Shia LeBouf, it was inspiring to so many who still have doubts in the goodness of our Lord...May he bless me always for my faith in Him is unwavering....
Great homely again. Will go to confession before Christmas.Thank you Bisschop you are a REAL prophet for our troubled era. May all men and women of good will discover God's graces during Advent
Beautiful. Ever grateful for you Bishop. Regarding confession: priests in my town don't have time. Almost all the churches here (7) have confession at the same time 2:30-3:45pm on Saturdays before mass and they rush everybody through as fast as possible. Sometimes not even giving penance and turning away whoever is left in line when it's time to start mass. I sympathize with how they're overworked because there aren't enough priests to cover the diocese. As I've suggested to them, having confession at different times might ease their burden of the long lines and give more people opportunity to avail themselves of this essential sacrament. It's an incredible cleansing and helps me get right in ever more subtle ways. Another mystery of awe.
Desert for my life was after all life's tests, then now I am able to READ the BIBLE. I was trying very hard before for many years, always falling asleep!! And, LORD GOD gave me this Gift now of able to read the Bible, a TREASURE to behold! Maybe I lost my other spiritual Treasures; got bad or used/boast of them, not too humble to do. EZEKIEL 33;13. And now, I am starting all over! Like a New Life! I am very happy on all what LORD GOD have shown me!
Couldn’t get into confession the other day because the line was too long and had to pickup my son from the airport. Love St. John Paul II in Denton TX and all the faithful witnesses there!
Christmas is a time for love forgiveness and humility to appear in the heart of humanity as true weapon to oppose hatred and pride.If men filled with pride and hatred,continue to clash with one another .God’s Holy Spirit will be grieved.only if the body of Christ repent the peace of Christ will reign .Thank you Bishop for your spirit fill message .Thank you Father Son and the Holy Spirit.
If it weren't for Bishop Barron I very much doubt I would be enrolled on my Theology degree and I doubt I would be following my faith as closely. Thank you for inspiring me.
Confession is so powerful and so healing! People have fooled themselves into believing their souls will go to heaven no matter how they live. Those who miss Sunday Mass are a prime example.
Bishop Barron, I converted to Catholicism 2 years ago at age 70! Your ministry and media had much to do with it. During that time, and continuing today, I find the Catholic Cyberspace filled with confusion. You have been a beacon helping me to avoid the mediocre and the mean, the endless rambling and click bait. All the WOF media reflects thoughtful preparation and beauty of presentation. I can't thank you enough. I am an Institute member and have finished most of the courses. I encourage everyone who can afford it to become a member of the Word on Fire Institute. Addendum 12/9/22. The ridiculous back and forth on my comment is indicative of the confusion and nonsense I'm referring to above. In this case, it's simply childish. I'm 72 years old. I've completed masters work in church history. I'm a voracious reader. Even among Protestants, soteriology has numerous variants. But to answer the question, I'm going to go fight in a crusade which will grant me an indulgence. For extra safety I'll buy an indulgence as well.
God bless you Bishop Robert Baron, wow inspiring.... Confession has done alot of healing in my life of bad wounds... Holding on to the past... I'm so blessed to have listen to you since 2010 on EWTN. May God bless the wonderful mission, as a Bishop. 🙏🙏🙏🕯️✨✨💒🇵🇹I'm born a Catholic and proud being Catholic 🌟🎄✨✨✨✨❤️
@@nuembarradas4533 wounderful to read someone is proud to be Catholic. I always think that saying from the Bible. "If you deny me before man,(world) I will deny you before my father",(God)
From personal experience, I can tell you how necessary it is to go to Confession. The sense of peace you feel "passeth beyond all understanding " Confession is a very healing process. Many Catholic churches offer "extra" times for Confession at this time of year. Also, you can often make an appointment with a priest for Confession if your schedule requires it. Thank you Bishop Barron. Peace be to All.
Thank you, Bishop Barron. It is Sunday, December 4, and right now, 5:00 p.m. there are many priests gathered at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Marysville, Kansas (northeast Kansas) to hear confessions during Advent in preparation of the Birth of Our Lord and Savior. I have already gone on Saturday morning before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass honoring the Blessed Mother's request for First Saturday devotion in her apparitions at Fatima. May we all avail ourselves of this cleansing Sacrament which gives us strength. It is wonderful that you present such clarity to all of your topics. May God bless you.
Thank you Bishop Barron for this sermon about the importance of Reconciliation spoken at Mass today, through the Scripture passage Matthew 3 : 1- 12. That speaks about John the Baptist who didn't mince his words towards those who were in great need of repentance!!! Yes Bishop we are all in need of repentance for we are all sinners!!! But I was also told that it wasn't necessary to go to confession almost every week. However there may be at times when we do fall short of who our Loving Father God intends for us to be and these particular failings do not leave our consciences! The best way to alleviate that burden may well be to go and confess, regardless if the last time we went to Reconciliation was a week ago!!! May the Lord keep blessing you and inspiring you abundantly Bishop Barron with your sermons and all you do for Word On Fire!!! And thank you also for giving me this time to reflect upon how important is Reconciliation for me!!!
Please pray for me jason and for my godmother Diane and for all of our families and friends and neighbors for conversion and salvation and holiness and healing...
Awesome as usual. A few observations, I’ve been to the desert. It has a certain charm about it. I got shot at a lot but I didn’t take it personal. Second, confession gets easier every time I go. I actually look forward to it now and find myself saying “I need to write that down “ then I forget to do it. Also being a bee keeper now I have big respect for John the Baptist living on wild honey and not owning a bee suit. I draw the line at eating locusts though. You have to imagine him sitting down with a bunch of dead locusts, dipping them into the honey, wondering if they were better with hot sauce.
"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." The Spirit and Fire; a Fire of Faith and a Passion for God. As the weather gets colder may your hearts grow with a Fire for Union with God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. Believe, Be Strong.
There are so many great images in this homily, like pruning a plant, putting it through a certain measure of pain that serves a purpose, chaff blowing in the wind of the Holy Spirit, and fire. Advent indeed is a great time in the related spirit of Lent, to clear away stuff getting in the way of Christ's coming to dwell in us, which is what St. John the Baptist called people to do.
Thanks Bishop Barron, I love your homilies, because they give me so much spiritual food for the week ahead. God Bless you (and prayers and thanks again). That picture of chaff is a great image, and John the Baptist may have been thinking of Psalm 1 when he said it (Ps 1:4 ..{The wicked} are like chaff which the wind blows away.)
Great sermon, as always, Bishop! "If we judged ourselves, we would not be judged of the Lord. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord so that we won't be condemned with the world." - I Corinthians 11:31-32. I find that the best way to judge myself is by constantly feasting on God's Word and not feeding my flesh so much. That requires actions like ignoring the radically unjust and nasty anti-communists and going along with scriptural directives (by John the Baptist, for example) as "let him that has two coats impart to him that has none and let him who has food act similarly." BTW, the 'coat' here is the exact same word for Christ's nice garment that the soldiers gambled for.
Confession scares me. As a lutheran I am glad ours are private.. I've heard catholics who have had great experiences with confession with empathetic priests, but I've also heard people who had bad experiences, who were shamed and judged in a bad way.. confidentiality is also an issue.. I think I could confess to Bishop Barron though haha He seems very trustworthy :)
Confession can be scary, but definitely worth it and necessary. As for confidentiality, there is the Seal of the Confessional which binds the priest to confidentiality so he is not allowed to tell anybody else your sins.
As a catholic, I do feel apprehensive going for confession, but I now realize thats just the sin in me trying to hang on and be comfortable rather than 'expose' myself to God; Regarding the experiences with the priests- the priest is just the vessel, it is God working through him and one should just accept the vessel He has chosen and anointed. We are all broken in different ways!
Confession? You are dead unto sin. 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:25). Did God forgive all our sins, even those of the past and those we will commit in the future? We will see what the Bible says. In the above scripture, we read of past sins. Does it mean God only forgives sins we committed in the past? Read with me in Colossians: 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13). God has forgiven all our sins. Sins of the past and sins we will commit in the future. As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will sin. However, sin is not the issue anymore. It was before we believed in the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are now 'in Christ'. He is our sanctification (Rom. 4:25). We received a new identity in Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see any of our mistakes. We are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God sees his Son when he looks at us because we received the righteousness of Christ. God dealt with our sins on the cross at Calvary. When it comes to his children, God will not look at their sins. Paul wrote: "For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). The grace of God calls on us who belong to God to do away with sins in our lives. The new identity we received in Christ empowers us to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6:11). Do not focus on sin. You are dead unto sin! You do not need to fear the sting of death anymore (1 Cor. 15:56). We can say with the apostle Paul: 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57). 😊
I went to confession today, the first time in maybe 30 years. I cried in front of the priest even before I started. There's something about confession that strips you down to your soul, and you feel so relieved and at peace afterwards.
Jesus died for ALL of our sins! Why the confessional booth?
@@_ready__ T]he disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
John 20:20-23
@@llarpi ✅Confession
Paul, as the apostle of the Gentiles and the apostle of grace, did not write believers should “confess” their sins. He wrote they should repent, walk in the Spirit, and be filled with the Spirit. John wrote from the gospel of the kingdom perspective. Paul wrote our sins have been forgiven (Ephesians 1.7; Colossians 1.14). For Paul, forgiveness is a past, irrevocable act. No conditionality of forgiveness exists. Paul never wrote that believers should ask for forgiveness. One doesn’t ask for what one already has….
Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:14 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:
Grace and peace
@@_ready__ if Paul did not not write, people should confess their sins, then he also did not write, people SHOULD NOT confess their sins..
@@llarpi You are dead unto sin.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:25).
Did God forgive all our sins, even those of the past and those we will commit in the future? We will see what the Bible says. In the above scripture, we read of past sins. Does it mean God only forgives sins we committed in the past? Read with me in Colossians:
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13).
God has forgiven all our sins. Sins of the past and sins we will commit in the future. As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will sin. However, sin is not the issue anymore. It was before we believed in the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are now 'in Christ'. He is our sanctification (Rom. 4:25).
We received a new identity in Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see any of our mistakes. We are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God sees his Son when he looks at us because we received the righteousness of Christ.
God dealt with our sins on the cross at Calvary. When it comes to his children, God will not look at their sins. Paul wrote: "For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). The grace of God calls on us who belong to God to do away with sins in our lives. The new identity we received in Christ empowers us to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6:11).
Do not focus on sin. You are dead unto sin! You do not need to fear the sting of death anymore (1 Cor. 15:56). We can say with the apostle Paul:
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
😊
Prayers are all I need so Please pray for me things are difficult on me at this time. As I continue to struggle putting groceries in my refrigerator and paying bills. I keep my faith in Jesus. I know God will see me through this hard time. Both of my children are autistic, I’m overwhelmed at times. Thankfully I put all my trust in Jesus. I lost my job as a social worker at Forsyth hospital because I declined the vaccine. I declined because of my pre existing health condition lupus and heart disease. I was denied my medical/religious exemption. I wish I could go back to the hospital but the mandate is STILL in place for hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid. I’m waitressing and I’m so THANKFUL to be working again, but I’m not making nearly enough to make ends meet. I get harassed and called names for simply asking for prayers, but prayers are all we need, because God hears ALL OF our prayers. It is JESUS that gives me strength to keep going. I have faith God will provide. He HAS THIS FAR. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Please pray for me and my children.
I wonder if you're the woman in the comments I prayed for before. I will again! I'll be a stepmother to an autistic child next year, and so the Lord has really put in my heart to pray for children and parents of such need.
I will pray for you!
I will stand with you in prayer!
It seems to me you are a victim soul but God is giving you the strength to bear your cross. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your children in my daily prayers. May God keep you always in His loving embrace. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
God Bless you
I am a Methodist one I am a huge fan of Bishop Robert Barron.
There is a saying from Eastern Christianity that also highlights Bishop’s last points, “God became man, not to make bad people good, but to make dead people live.” Thank you for your reflections on 2nd Sunday of Advent, Bishop Barron.
@BishopBarron56 Thank you very much. Your sermons are truly inspiring. God bless you.
@@tommullen7759
How come you are fooled by the fake bishop?
@@tommullen7759 Please know that is a fake account my brother.
Man this sermon hit home a lot.
Went to mid-day mass on Wednesday, last day before Advent, wasn't planning on going to confession, and don't normally go to confession at that particular chapel, but took communion and was immediately hit with an overwhelming sense of unworthiness; as soon as the mass ended I asked the priest to hear my confession, which he did, honestly felt close to tears going into the confession, and felt this huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I don't think it was coincidental that I felt compelled by the holy spirit to go to confession the day before the start of advent.
God bless Bishop Barron and Word on Fire ministries 🙏🏻❤️✝️
Thank you for all you do.
Lord, may You always be the highest mountain in my life.🙏🙏❤️❤️
So much in this sermon! Thank you.
I am in Cambodia for a time and see how the desert comes to me here, to witness to God’s grace, to offer my own vision - if Christ can look thru my sinful eyes. To see about bringing joy, the joy of Christ. I ask any of Bishop Barron’s listeners to pray for the people of Cambodia. They are a sweet people, pulling their lives together after many years of strife including Covid. Not many Christians here, few Catholics. But they are so open to grace. Much peace to all of good will as we soldier on toward our living God.
It's wonderful how God's message has gotten to you. God bless you and keep you.
I hope the people of Cambodia learn about and accept Jesus. I know the French brought Catholicism to Vietnam although it is still a small minority religion there. Catholicism is also growing in China. I hope the Holy Spirit will bring a new spirit of evangelism to that part of the world.
I will pray for them
God bless you and gosh yes we will pray for you all.
Don't be fooled by a fake bishop out here.
Thank you so much Bishop Barron. How we need our beloved St. John the Baptist today. God bless you always.
As a layperson of same age, I had the tendency to avoid Confession until recently. Father asked me a simple question, to look upon the crucifix on the wall. When I did, I experienced a profound sense of purpose that still guides me today. The mystery of the Holy Sacraments truly is water for the garden of the soul. God bless
Great sermon. I´ve been to confession today. I need grace so much. Thousands of people on the streets outside of the church. Still many at the mass. But only 3 at confession.
Wow! Thousands of people in and around the church, yet only three at confession!
What does that tell you?
The only way to the father (God) is through the son. The thousands of people in the street and in mass have a direct communication line to the father. That’s wat it tell us
There was about 20 for confession. I view the confessional as the narrow gate that leads to the kingdom through salvific grace as only one person at a time, save an interpretor, can enter. The Eucharist is the kingdom on earth celebrated along with heavenly kingdom; "As on earth as it is in heaven."
Keep it up and never stop going when you need the grace. The world and the evil one may tempt you but go, always go.
@@kemmow25 the devil tried to keep me from doing my penance after Confession yesterday.
Wonderful! I’m a Nondenominational. Christian and you always speak to me Bishop
Well, convert! Check out Father Mike Schmitz and Father Casey (breaking in the habit) Father Chris Alar (a teaching priest) are also terrific. Bishop Barron is Great!
The Church can use your gifts, Rich Torres.
Thank you Bishop.
Your reflections touch our innermost selves.
God bless you.
I thank God for you, Bishop Baron! May God sustain you in this mission.🙏💜
Thank you for a great message. As someone from a Protestant church, I think not having confession or any similar outlet for honest reflection is one of the reasons I see so many people at church, including myself, pretending that everything is fine. It is a missed opportunity to go deeper.
I'm Presbyterian and we have time for corporate and silent personal confession at each worship service. It's up to each participant to stand there in silence or to stand in silence and confess your sin to God. I think confession is good for our whole being, not just our soul. There is so much in life that weighs us down and we can't do much about it. We can confess our sin, our mistakes, our acts of unkindness or unthinking and lighten our load.
How do 'I stand with God?
The greatest question 'I can ask myself!
Tku so much Sir!
God bless you always! Amén
thank you Bishop. I never fail to get new insight from your erudite sermons. what a blissing you are
Bishop Barron is a modern day John the Baptist, challenging us to prepare for the coming of Christ.
Praying that this Advent will be a “metanoia” experience for all Catholics.
Thank you, Bishop, for giving me critical reason to “go beyond my mind” to hear and heed the words of The Baptist. 🙏🙏🙏
Totally Agree "Be in the World but not of it "
@P!nned By Bishop Robert Barron... I know you are aware that John The Prepared of the way of Jesus Christ would not have been in a position to forgive sin only Jesus could do that and it was met with anger
Thank you Bishop Barron, your sermon was so good as always. May GOD keep you always in good health, free from harm and sickness. GOD bless you. ➕ ❤
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
- Psalm 51: 10,12 (NRSV)
Let the windowing fan of Jesus and the wind of the Holy Spirit blow away the chaff in our life, so that the undesirable and useless in us can decrease. Thereby making room to welcome Christ to dwell in us so that He may, in our lives, increase. John the Baptist: I must decrease, Jesus must increase.
*"The Church wants to divinize you, to draw you into the divine life. That's what Advent's about, that you might welcome Christ who wants to live in you."* - BISHOP BARRON
I love the pruning plant analogy. Gives a wonderful visual. Every morning in prayer I confess my sins and ask that Jesus lead me to be more like Him.
Another brilliant and remarkable sermon from bishop barron. Bishop barron you continually strengthen my faith. Thank you for everything you do at word on fire and your influence is making a big impact. God bless you bishop barron you are a treasure.
Amen brother Michael!
My gratitude again dear Bishop Barron. Thank you for the reminder of going to confession, making peace. Thank you for this sermon, for the light. ❤
Bishop Barron, you are a great source of inspiration. God bless you
Confession is essential for powerful spiritual life
Confession?
You are dead unto sin.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:25).
Did God forgive all our sins, even those of the past and those we will commit in the future? We will see what the Bible says. In the above scripture, we read of past sins. Does it mean God only forgives sins we committed in the past? Read with me in Colossians:
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13).
God has forgiven all our sins. Sins of the past and sins we will commit in the future. As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will sin. However, sin is not the issue anymore. It was before we believed in the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are now 'in Christ'. He is our sanctification (Rom. 4:25).
We received a new identity in Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see any of our mistakes. We are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God sees his Son when he looks at us because we received the righteousness of Christ.
God dealt with our sins on the cross at Calvary. When it comes to his children, God will not look at their sins. Paul wrote: "For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). The grace of God calls on us who belong to God to do away with sins in our lives. The new identity we received in Christ empowers us to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6:11).
Do not focus on sin. You are dead unto sin! You do not need to fear the sting of death anymore (1 Cor. 15:56). We can say with the apostle Paul:
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
😊
We are blessed to have the possibility to listen this Sunday's sermons. Greetings from the missionaries priests from Did Galgallo desert in norther Kenya!! Blessed Sunday!!!
7:30
"The culture will tell us in a thousand ways 'You're okay. Everything's fine.'"
Bishop Barron, I really liked your article that was included in the first week of "The Word Became Flesh" Advent booklet with that thought and talks about how we need to feel like we need to be saved before a savior comes.
There's a lot of pruning that needs to be done. Thank you Bishop Barron. God bless.
I always feel so peaceful and happy after confession ❤
Thank you Bishop Barron ✨🙏🏼✨ and all at Word On Fire ✨💪✝🛡✨
I enjoyed listening to your sermon ,Bishop Barron,thank you and I will keep it in my heart ,God Bless you 🙏
Beware of the FAKE Bishop out here
I found out that go to Confession is the easiest way to open up my heart and my soul to accept His graces and words. This is the fastest way to walk into heaven on earth. From here I can walk on the path of the Beatitudes to enter the gate of the internal life, Jesus Christ. My Catholic friends. Go. Make peace with Him. The more you do the easier it gets. God bless you and your family.
Amen!
How do you get to heaven? Via the confessional booth? Speaking to a man in a dress in a box? Seriously?
@@_ready__ Let put the confession aside for now. 1st. Have you ever wondered why this universe comes into being? The James Web’s scope didn’t help the Big Bang theory. Why every single cells in my body function amazingly well? Who control time? Why am I decaying and die? Why no one escape death? Is this life of mine finished once the heart stopped beating and the brain stopped working? What is my purpose for existing? Why all the pleasures faded away? What is love? Why this human love doesn’t last for ever? Where am I going to have the joy of life? 2nd. Do you think the solar system we are in operating by itself or some being put it in motion? Does God exist? When you get answers to these questions and if find Jesus Christ is the Emanuel then we will continue to talk about what is heaven? Where is it? How to get there? Which path to take the get there? Why should I talk to the man in the dress? and why do I want to go to confession?
@@27lamar Genesis 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 2:13 (KJV) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Peace
@@_ready__ truthfully the confessional is the narrow gate that only one can enter at a time but few have the strength to confess their most private sin. Those who deny this are like Jesus followers who left Him because they didn't understand the gravity of His words in John six as literal and scattered like lost sheep at the roar of the Lion.
Confession will change our thinking, to make straight the path ... so Gid's grace can enter our hearts.
Thank you, Bishop baron, I love your insight And teachings. God bless….
The more you go to the sacrament of reconciliation the more you love and actually look forward to it and the Holy Spirit speaks to your soul and says “yes, it’s time again. Go!” Don’t listen to what priests or religious say about how often to go. Listen to your soul. It will tell you.
Thank you Bishop. from India
Thank you, Bishop Barron, for your inspiring words. I’m going to Confession this week. Yes indeed, Metanoia is what we need, a profound experience of Conversion in how we think and how we see everything in our life. May we all be led to this wonderful conversion through Confession during this Advent. And peace be with you all. 🕯🕊🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💖
I am enlightened by your explanations and interpretations of the Bible, especially The Gospels which fill me with joy, thank you, Bishop.
It also startles me that I am not "marching in Christ's Army", and how my life is filled with so much distraction, I pray every day to tell our Heavenly Father how appreciative and grateful I am for my life, and I endeavor to become a better version of myself while remaining focused on Christ so that when it is my turn to pass from this earthly realm I may live on high in the Heavenly realm with our God, Lord, Holy Spirit, Father, Master, Teacher, Friend with all of us in a joyful way I cannot even imagine.
Thank you Bishop for the immense effort and time you put into creating and posting videos and helping so many of us sinners, I truly appreciate the Spiritual guidance.
Buffalo 👍
Brilliant. The Holy Spitit spoke an essential message through you today. May you continue to speak God's truth so powwrfully.
Totally enjoy your teachings, totally enjoyed your interview with Shia LeBouf, it was inspiring to so many who still have doubts in the goodness of our Lord...May he bless me always for my faith in Him is unwavering....
Great homely again. Will go to confession before Christmas.Thank you Bisschop you are a REAL prophet for our troubled era.
May all men and women of good will discover God's graces during Advent
Beautiful. Ever grateful for you Bishop.
Regarding confession: priests in my town don't have time. Almost all the churches here (7) have confession at the same time 2:30-3:45pm on Saturdays before mass and they rush everybody through as fast as possible. Sometimes not even giving penance and turning away whoever is left in line when it's time to start mass.
I sympathize with how they're overworked because there aren't enough priests to cover the diocese. As I've suggested to them, having confession at different times might ease their burden of the long lines and give more people opportunity to avail themselves of this essential sacrament. It's an incredible cleansing and helps me get right in ever more subtle ways. Another mystery of awe.
Sorry to hear about it. You guys have to keep asking. Hopefully,somebody will listen.
@@anthtan thanks! I hope so too
I always learn immensely from Bishop Barron homilies. May the Lord blessed you every day
Desert for my life was after all life's tests, then now I am able to READ the BIBLE. I was trying very hard before for many years, always falling asleep!! And, LORD GOD gave me this Gift now of able to read the Bible, a TREASURE to behold! Maybe I lost my other spiritual Treasures; got bad or used/boast of them, not too humble to do. EZEKIEL 33;13. And now, I am starting all over! Like a New Life! I am very happy on all what LORD GOD have shown me!
May God bless you too Bishop, oh!!! I need to be purify. Great sermon as always 🙏
Another wonderful sermon. Thank-you Bishop Baron.
I’ve been reading a chapter a day from Luke this advent and today was about John The Baptist. This sermon was right on time. Thank you! ❤
Couldn’t get into confession the other day because the line was too long and had to pickup my son from the airport. Love St. John Paul II in Denton TX and all the faithful witnesses there!
Your intentions were valid but get to Confession asap. I wonder if you asked, would you have been able to cut in line under the circumstances.
@@eduardohoover2127 Thanks I will get there. I would never ask to cut in front of someone else :)
Christmas is a time for love forgiveness and humility to appear in the heart of humanity as true weapon to oppose hatred and pride.If men filled with pride and hatred,continue to clash with one another .God’s Holy Spirit will be grieved.only if the body of Christ repent the peace of Christ will reign .Thank you Bishop for your spirit fill message .Thank you Father Son and the Holy Spirit.
You never fail to inspire me and I thank God for that. God bless you more, Bp. Barron.
If it weren't for Bishop Barron I very much doubt I would be enrolled on my Theology degree and I doubt I would be following my faith as closely. Thank you for inspiring me.
I feel a longing for confession. Thank you Bishop. I will make it a point to seek confession.
Beautiful words. It is time to visit my desert, indeed! God bless you!
Thank you for the analogy of pruning a Plant ❤️🩹
Another home run by Bishop Barron. Gives new meaning to this beautiful Season. Thank you. G-d Bless 🕊
Love it!! Thank you so much for that Bishop! Food for the soul ❤
Good Morning !!!
I pray you have a blessed 2022 Advent, Bishop Barron!
Thank you Bishop Barron!
Confession is so powerful and so healing! People have fooled themselves into believing their souls will go to heaven no matter how they live. Those who miss Sunday Mass are a prime example.
Bishop Barron, I converted to Catholicism 2 years ago at age 70! Your ministry and media had much to do with it. During that time, and continuing today, I find the Catholic Cyberspace filled with confusion. You have been a beacon helping me to avoid the mediocre and the mean, the endless rambling and click bait. All the WOF media reflects thoughtful preparation and beauty of presentation. I can't thank you enough. I am an Institute member and have finished most of the courses. I encourage everyone who can afford it to become a member of the Word on Fire Institute.
Addendum 12/9/22. The ridiculous back and forth on my comment is indicative of the confusion and nonsense I'm referring to above. In this case, it's simply childish. I'm 72 years old. I've completed masters work in church history. I'm a voracious reader. Even among Protestants, soteriology has numerous variants. But to answer the question, I'm going to go fight in a crusade which will grant me an indulgence. For extra safety I'll buy an indulgence as well.
God bless you Bishop Robert Baron, wow inspiring.... Confession has done alot of healing in my life of bad wounds... Holding on to the past... I'm so blessed to have listen to you since 2010 on EWTN. May God bless the wonderful mission, as a Bishop. 🙏🙏🙏🕯️✨✨💒🇵🇹I'm born a Catholic and proud being Catholic 🌟🎄✨✨✨✨❤️
@@nuembarradas4533 wounderful to read someone is proud to be Catholic.
I always think that saying from the Bible. "If you deny me before man,(world) I will deny you before my father",(God)
@MichaelGuthrie, thank you for sharing yr story of conversion. Welcome !
God bless you and yours!
Welcome home 🙏
How do you plan to get to heaven as a Catholic?
From personal experience, I can tell you how necessary it is to go to Confession. The sense of peace you feel "passeth beyond all understanding "
Confession is a very healing process.
Many Catholic churches offer "extra" times for Confession at this time of year. Also, you can often make an appointment with a priest for Confession if your schedule requires it.
Thank you Bishop Barron. Peace be to All.
Pruning is painful but productive. Thank you Bishop Barron and please
I look forward to your sermons always........
Not sure how this one slipped by me !! Excellent video, John!!!!!! The Baptist thank you !!
Behold Him who takes away the sin of the world..
Thank you, Bishop Barron. It is Sunday, December 4, and right now, 5:00 p.m. there are many priests gathered at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Marysville, Kansas (northeast Kansas) to hear confessions during Advent in preparation of the Birth of Our Lord and Savior. I have already gone on Saturday morning before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass honoring the Blessed Mother's request for First Saturday devotion in her apparitions at Fatima. May we all avail ourselves of this cleansing Sacrament which gives us strength.
It is wonderful that you present such clarity to all of your topics. May God bless you.
Thank you Bishop Barron. So much to ponder in this. Thank you.
Thank you Bishop Barron for this sermon about the importance of Reconciliation spoken at Mass today, through the Scripture passage Matthew 3 : 1- 12. That speaks about John the Baptist who didn't mince his words towards those who were in great need of repentance!!! Yes Bishop we are all in need of repentance for we are all sinners!!! But I was also told that it wasn't necessary to go to confession almost every week. However there may be at times when we do fall short of who our Loving Father God intends for us to be and these particular failings do not leave our consciences! The best way to alleviate that burden may well be to go and confess, regardless if the last time we went to Reconciliation was a week ago!!! May the Lord keep blessing you and inspiring you abundantly Bishop Barron with your sermons and all you do for Word On Fire!!! And thank you also for giving me this time to reflect upon how important is Reconciliation for me!!!
Please pray for me jason and for my godmother Diane and for all of our families and friends and neighbors for conversion and salvation and holiness and healing...
Jason, I Will pray for you and Diane, and all the others you mentioned. God bless you and give you peace in your heart!
Love seeing this side of you Bishop Barron, not afraid to hit hard and speak the Truth. Thank you, Bishop for all that you do
God bless you, Bishop Barron 🙂🙏
Thank you Bishop Barron
Thank you Bishop Barron !!!! Great way to start the second week of advent!!!
Thank you so much, Father. Thank you for letting me know the true importance of confession. Drawing the comparison to twelve-step was wonderful.
👍🙏. God Bless you for keeping us on the right path.
Awesome as usual. A few observations, I’ve been to the desert. It has a certain charm about it. I got shot at a lot but I didn’t take it personal. Second, confession gets easier every time I go. I actually look forward to it now and find myself saying “I need to write that down “ then I forget to do it. Also being a bee keeper now I have big respect for John the Baptist living on wild honey and not owning a bee suit. I draw the line at eating locusts though. You have to imagine him sitting down with a bunch of dead locusts, dipping them into the honey, wondering if they were better with hot sauce.
God bless Bishop! Watching from the Philippines
Thank You very much
Thank you, Bishop Barron. As always, your sermon is relevant to the core,
"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." The Spirit and Fire; a Fire of Faith and a Passion for God. As the weather gets colder may your hearts grow with
a Fire for Union with God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. Believe, Be Strong.
There are so many great images in this homily, like pruning a plant, putting it through a certain measure of pain that serves a purpose, chaff blowing in the wind of the Holy Spirit, and fire. Advent indeed is a great time in the related spirit of Lent, to clear away stuff getting in the way of Christ's coming to dwell in us, which is what St. John the Baptist called people to do.
❤️This Bishop 👏👏👏♥️♥️♥️✌️🦋
Thanks Bishop Barron, I love your homilies, because they give me so much spiritual food for the week ahead. God Bless you (and prayers and thanks again).
That picture of chaff is a great image, and John the Baptist may have been thinking of Psalm 1 when he said it (Ps 1:4 ..{The wicked} are like chaff which the wind blows away.)
Wow - such a great sermon! Great spiritual truths and insights! Helps me further grow in knowing the Love of God! Thank you Bishop Barron!
Looked up the image of John the Baptist. Inspiried. Thank you.
Thank you!
very powerful Bishop Baron. Thank you!
Great sermon, as always, Bishop!
"If we judged ourselves, we would not be judged of the Lord. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord so that we won't be condemned with the world." - I Corinthians 11:31-32.
I find that the best way to judge myself is by constantly feasting on God's Word and not feeding my flesh so much. That requires actions like ignoring the radically unjust and nasty anti-communists and going along with scriptural directives (by John the Baptist, for example) as "let him that has two coats impart to him that has none and let him who has food act similarly." BTW, the 'coat' here is the exact same word for Christ's nice garment that the soldiers gambled for.
Confession scares me. As a lutheran I am glad ours are private.. I've heard catholics who have had great experiences with confession with empathetic priests, but I've also heard people who had bad experiences, who were shamed and judged in a bad way.. confidentiality is also an issue.. I think I could confess to Bishop Barron though haha He seems very trustworthy :)
Confession can be scary, but definitely worth it and necessary. As for confidentiality, there is the Seal of the Confessional which binds the priest to confidentiality so he is not allowed to tell anybody else your sins.
As a catholic, I do feel apprehensive going for confession, but I now realize thats just the sin in me trying to hang on and be comfortable rather than 'expose' myself to God; Regarding the experiences with the priests- the priest is just the vessel, it is God working through him and one should just accept the vessel He has chosen and anointed. We are all broken in different ways!
Confession?
You are dead unto sin.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:25).
Did God forgive all our sins, even those of the past and those we will commit in the future? We will see what the Bible says. In the above scripture, we read of past sins. Does it mean God only forgives sins we committed in the past? Read with me in Colossians:
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13).
God has forgiven all our sins. Sins of the past and sins we will commit in the future. As long as we live in our earthly bodies, we will sin. However, sin is not the issue anymore. It was before we believed in the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are now 'in Christ'. He is our sanctification (Rom. 4:25).
We received a new identity in Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see any of our mistakes. We are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God sees his Son when he looks at us because we received the righteousness of Christ.
God dealt with our sins on the cross at Calvary. When it comes to his children, God will not look at their sins. Paul wrote: "For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). The grace of God calls on us who belong to God to do away with sins in our lives. The new identity we received in Christ empowers us to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6:11).
Do not focus on sin. You are dead unto sin! You do not need to fear the sting of death anymore (1 Cor. 15:56). We can say with the apostle Paul:
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
😊
Thank you Father.
It’s a classic term in the theological tradition. Thomas Aquinas uses it regularly.
"the voice of one crying in the wildernesses"
Wonderful image of St John the Baptist, the sculpture was beholden. Love it.
Thank you Bishop! The itense "GO TO CONFESSION!" was my favorite part. 😊 I will write my father immediatly.
Thank you bishop