From a fellow pew guy on Confession

I got this today regarding a recent blog on Confession -- the subject? "Powerful Words."

"God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church. May God grant you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.''

Let us meditate on the power of these words. When they are spoken by a priest (another Christ), simultaneosly with the Sign of the Cross, we are reborn into the grace of God. Heaven's gate is opened for us. That is awesome power. Now we once again try to change our lives by a firm purpose of amendment, doing penance, and concentrating on a spiritual direction in our lives.

Thank you, my Marine in the Pew! (Not his real name...his real name is Joe.)