‘Passion Time’ begins today; find forgiveness in confession
Passion Time, in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, begins today, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, when religious readings, reflections, and prayers of the liturgy in Holy Masses focus on the Passion of Christ.
The last two weeks of Lent form the season called Passion Time, the first week, which begins today is known as Passion Week, while the second week, which begins next Sunday, March 25, is known as the Holy Week.
As the Catholic Church continues to encourage the faithful to avail of the Sacrament of Penance by going to confession, the Holy Father Pope Francis stressed that the confessional is “a place to find forgiveness and not condemnation” for one's sins.
“God does not want to beat us and condemn us but rather, He always looks for a way to enter the hearts of those who are repentant,” the Pontiff said in his homily during a mass at his official residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae (Saint Martha’s House) at the Vatican.
Since the start of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday on February 14, the confessional has been available for longer hours in churches to give churchgoers more time to go to confession.
“When we priests – in the Lord’s place – hear confessions,we also must have this attitude of goodness like the Lord, who says, ‘Come, let us talk, there is no problem, there is forgiveness,’ and not with a threat from the beginning. The confessional is a place where people can find forgiveness andmercy, not threats and condemnation,” Pope Francis said.
“Through the sacrament of reconciliation, Jesus does not threaten but rather calls us with kindness, having confidence in us, which allows people seeking forgiveness to take a step forward on the path of conversion,” the Pontiff added in his homily
that was posted by the Catholic News Service.
“Many times,” he said, “We need this, to hear this word: ‘Come, don’t be frightened, come. There is forgiveness.’ And this encourages us to go to the Lord with an open heart. It is the Father who awaits us,” Pope Francis said. Devotion prayers Considered as a deeper and more solemn time of Lent, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to reflect on the Seven Sorrows (Dolors) of the Blessed Mother.
Traditional devotions includethe praying of the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis), the recitation of the Holy Rosary, meditation on the five Sorrowful Mysteries, and the recitation of the five prayers in honor of Christ’s five wounds.
Marian devotees traditionally offer novena prayers and special devotions before the image of Our Lady of Sorrows during the observance of Passion Time.
Churchgoers are reminded to go to confession before receiving the Holy Eucharist and “to reflect on the Passion of Christ, the events leading to Jesus’ Crucifixion and His willingness to endure suffering and pain for mankind.”
“Through His Passion, we recognize the enormity of His lovefor us. God’s forgiving and healing love brings new life out of the destruction and separation from God that was caused by sin,” Church leaders said. Until March 31 The observance of Passion Time, or Passion Week,is until March 31, Black Saturday, before the start of the Easter Vigil.