My mom recent stay here in Singapore have given me the chance to share my few learnings. Every morning there is this black cat on our block. She freaked out upon seeing it when she accompanied me to the MRT. I told her it is her favorite hang out and I saw her everyday on the same spot. We were raised to the belief that we should avoid the black cat on our path for there will be misfortunes if we failed to do so. Living here in Singapore have given me realizations that I cannot avoid these black cats forever. I also have this soft spot for them since I have taken care a lot of cats when I was young and I pitied that just because of their color that people are avoiding them. Also I saw people (might be the owners) that do not care if they are black. I told then my mother not to discriminate the cat just because of its color. I guess my faith on God has brought me to realizations that all are loved and nothing will hurt us because we have a mighty protector.
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I was often criticize because some notice me going to Confession too often. Well actually I want to have it regularly, at least once a month. They told me why go to confession if you're confessing same sins and isn't it that the Holy Eucharist is already removing our venial sins. I then answer that the church advice us to at least receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a year. But that doesn't mean we cannot receive more than one. I further explain that even though I have been confessing same sins, by humbly acknowledging I have committed them and feeling sorry would remind me to strive harder so as not to commit again. It also reminds me that I'm only human and prone to error though it is not an excuse. The key is even how many times I failed not to commit the same sin but I still strive hard and admit to God I'm sinning and ask for His forgiveness. Also there is a special grace in this Sacrament that I felt at peace with the mercy I obtain after doing the penance.
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Another question I often hear is why do we need to confess our sins to a priest. I guess if one cannot recognize the clergy as successors of the Apostles then they would have the hard time understanding this Sacrament. Jesus himself have given the authority to forgive to the Apostles right before He ascended to heaven. The follow up for this is then why not ask forgiveness directly to God. Well I don't see any wrong with these but the Sacrament itself is instituted by Christ himself because there is grace when we acknowledge we truly sinned. Isn't it pride if we cannot submit ourselves because we think they are just men. It is true humility and being truly sorry I guess is what being practice here.
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Another I often hear is salvation are for those who received Christ in their lives and that God is always forgiving. We Catholics are often criticize because not only we just receive Christ but also do good works to attain salvation. I was guilty of doing good works before to get my rewards in heaven. My thinking then was the more good works the more chances I will be in heaven. My renewal in my faith have help me understand and established my relationship with Christ that I want to go to heaven simply because I want to be with Him. And sinning is avoided since sins separate us from Him. True repentance means turning away from sins. So even if we say God is always forgiving, sinning again and again without true repentance is cheating. Also the salvation is already given to each one us. Yet what is our response to that love.
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