the tomb of sin
"It was done in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean Whom you crucified and Whom God raised from the dead." —Acts 4:10
Peter recognized the risen Christ when he repented of going back into the fishing business (see Jn 21:3ff). Three thousand people were baptized into the risen Christ when they repented of their part in Jesus' crucifixion through their sins (Acts 2:38, 41). On the evening after Jesus' resurrection, He commanded His apostles to preach to the nations "repentance and forgiveness of sins" (Lk 24:47, RSV). That same evening, Jesus commissioned His apostles to forgive sins (Jn 20:23). Repentance for our sins is the key to meeting the risen Christ. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is essential to witnessing for the risen Christ. Hearts burning with contrition and purification are open to the risen Christ (see Lk 24:32). Eyes weeping in sorrow for sins will be opened to see the risen Christ.
Repent! The risen King of the kingdom is at hand! (see Mk 1:15) "The wages of sin is death" (Rm 6:23). The result of repentance is risen life. Go to Confession as soon as possible. Come out of the tomb of sin into the light of the risen Christ.
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to convict me of my sins (Jn 16:8).
Promise: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved." —Acts 4:12
Praise: Praise Jesus, our risen Lord and the Offering for the sins of the world! (1 Jn 2:2)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order Fr. Lauer's tape on The Necessity of Confession for Renewal on audio AV 70-1 or video V-70.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000