This past Thursday, I did something that I have always wanted to do. [Show Vikings attire] I was a Viking fan at an opposing team’s stadium. That’s right. I was at the game in Phoenix. I have a couple of buddies who are hard-core Arizona Cardinal fans; so I saved up my “nickels,” flew down there on Thursday, tailgated, went to the game, crashed on one the buddies’ couch . . . and flew home on Friday.
It was great fun. My wish was that Vikings wouldn’t embarrass us (again). For those who didn’t watch the game, the Vikings lost by only 3 points and the Cardinals are one of the best teams in the NFL this year. We almost had it, at least to tie it right at the end. I think that we should have tired a field goal on that 3rd down . . . oh well, they didn’t.
Anyway as I was in line to enter the stadium (and they had metal detectors for us to go through) and we had lots of Viking fans there (singing “Skol Vikings”) and of course lots of Cardinal fans. They gave us a Cardinal scarf as we entered [show scarf] Now why we would need a winter scarf in 70 degree weather, I’m not sure, but as I was waiting in line (and remember I am a big Vikings’ fan and I try to watch all the games), I got to thinking . . . if the Vikings win, I don’t think that I will be any happier . . . and if the Vikings lose, that still won’t not change my attitude.
I got to thinking how often we look for some “outside force” to make us happy. For example, thinking that I will be happy . . . if I get this certain gift for Christmas
if I am laying on a beach in Mexico
if I get a good grade in that upcoming Biology test
if I win some money at the Casino
if my team wins . . . or this happens or that happens.
Happiness, or peacefulness or joy does not happen because of what we start doing. Rather true happiness often comes from what we stop doing. That is, when we stop looking for someone else to make us happy, or when we stop looking for a certain event or outcome to somehow “fill us.” It never does. Oh sure there might be a “temporary” high, but long lasting . . . or what we call “inner joy” is NOT dependent on something, or someone else.
This third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday . . . the joyful Sunday. The readings were filled with references about joy. Even John the Baptist (in the gospel) is trying the help the people by telling them to STOP doing certain things: having too much stuff, collecting more, saying bad stuff about others.
We have officially kicked off the Year of Mercy on the Feast of Mary’s Conception (this past Tuesday). Pope Francis is inviting all of us into a mind-set of being more merciful. That is, taking the time to let go of some grudges, to become more welcoming of those who are different than you and the biggy . . . go to reconciliation (or Confession, as we used to call it).
As a parish, we are adopting the phrase, “It begins with me-rcy.” [Show sign] Get it? It all begins with both me and with my openness to be forgiven and forgiving. That is huge. I challenge you all to take advantage of this sacrament of reconciliation . . . often. Your happiness is about what you stop doing, and reconciliation gives you the opportunity to reflect and name whatever the things that you are doing or not doing.
Many of you seem afraid of the sacrament. Heck, we have “reminder cards” at the doorways and we have Communal Services in Advent and in Lent. I like to think of the sacrament as a time for “tuning up” . . . almost like spiritual direction. For as Pope Francis keeps reminding us . . . we all sin. And typically it is guilt or shame that we have hanging over our heads that keeps us from being who we are meant to be. The sacrament gives us the chance to name things. To take a hard look at what attitude or behavior we could STOP doing to get us on the right track.
Let me review the sacrament quickly . . . .
Beginning (usually “Bless me Father for I have sinned and stating when was the last time you received
the sacrament.)
State your sins (that is, simply talk about what is burdening you? A frame of reference is to think of
your relationships . . . with others, with yourself, with God.)
Penance (the priest gives you something to do or to pray. And remember that we priests have a “seal of
confession” which means that no matter what you say, we can NEVER repeat it to anyone. Not
even in court.
Act of Contrition (there are memorized prayers, but you can simply “make up a prayer.” The important
aspect is to say, “I am sorry.”)
Absolution (this is a prayer/blessing to you)
Finished (usually with a “good-bye” or “thanks be to God.”
That’s it. Simple. Now the important aspect is that: YOU ARE SORRY and YOU TRY NOT SIN AGAIN. Of course we sin, and you might sin again . . . but it is the change of heart, or the change of attitude that you are willing to attempt to be different. That is to become more willing to receive God’s forgiveness and belief in you.
The sacrament really has a powerful effect on people. It is source of grace. And it can be a start to looking at life differently. Not to be looking for someone else to change or something great to happen to grant you happiness. It is up to you.
Heck, with the Vikings’ game on Thursday . . . we came in second.