Thursday in the First Week of Lent

We pray through a Lenten morning offering and explore why confession is essential preparation for Holy Communion. We reflect on honest self-examination, the grace that heals venial and mortal sin, and practical rhythms for regular confession.

• linking confession and Holy Communion
• why mortal sin blocks Communion
• how frequent confession deepens grace
• confessing venial sins for fuller fruit
• honest naming of sins and humility
• suggested rhythm of monthly confession
• closing prayers and Lenten resources

If you found this time of prayer and reflection fruitful and would like more opportunities to grow in your faith this Lent, consider joining the Cristeros and purchasing our Lenten Reflection booklet, now available on Amazon.com
The Cristeros app is available on the Apple app and Google Play Store
More information on the Cristeros can be found at theCristeros.org

Transcript

Opening Prayers Of Lent

SPEAKER_00 0:03

Thursday in the first week of Lent. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the remission of my sins, for the intentions of my family and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen. Preparation for Mass. While it may not be a common thought, every confession is a preparation for Holy Communion. Confessing our sins reconciles us with God in Christ and through His Church, so that we can fully commune with Him at Mass. These two sacraments, then, are intrinsically united, and we should make frequent recourse to confession, not just to overcome sin, but also to grow in our relationship with the Lord. Of course, mortal sin prevents one from receiving holy communion. If one does, he also commits the sin of sacrilege. And so confession is necessary to approach the altar anew in this case. But frequent confession of venial sins can make reception of communion more fruitful as well. This is why it is good to confess venial sins and not just mortal sins. This helps to open our heart in ever deeper ways to the grace of God, which then heals us and elevates us as it transforms and forgives. Finally, preparation for Mass also necessarily includes regular confession, especially for mortal sins. Confession is the primary sacramental way in which our souls are prepared to meet the Lord. I recommend to all a monthly confession, if not more frequently. Bishop James Wall, Sacra Mysteria Venerari. Do you confess regularly? How often? Or do you think you don't need to confess? Thinking we are beyond sin is quite dangerous. When you confess, do you do so honestly and humbly, naming all your sins? Or do you hide sins by not naming them or downplaying them? All that I have and all that I am, I give to your hands, Jesus, through the heart of Mary, your blessed mother. Amen. Sacred heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. If you found this time of prayer and reflection fruitful and would like more opportunities to grow in your faith this Lent, consider joining the Cristeros and purchasing our Lenten Reflection booklet, now available on Amazon.com. The Cristeros app is available on the Apple app and Google Play Store. More information on the Cristeros can be found at theCristeros.org.