come as you are
"Who will endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?" —Malachi 3:2
Today the Church celebrates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem. In that same spirit, we present ourselves today to the Lord, especially in the Mass. We present ourselves to Jesus, the great High Priest, Who became like us "in every way, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest before God" on our behalf, to expiate our sins (Heb 2:17). "Since [Jesus] Himself was tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted" (Heb 2:18).
We have days when things are going so badly that all we can do is come before the Lord Jesus just as we are and tell Him: "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner" (see Lk 18:13). We can always present ourselves to Jesus and tell Him: "Lord, I don't have much to offer You, but what I have I give You" (see Acts 3:6).
Jesus invites you to present yourself before Him, just as you are. He says: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you" (Mt 11:28). Jesus says: "No one who comes [to Me] will I ever reject" (Jn 6:37). Jesus became like you so that you would always know in the depths of your heart that you can "approach God through Him" (Heb 7:25; Eph 2:18). Present yourself to Jesus today, just as you are. Receive His life-giving love.
Prayer: Jesus, I will present myself to You in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible.
Promise: Anna "gave thanks to God and talked about the Child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem." —Lk 2:38
Praise: "My eyes have witnessed your saving Deed displayed for all the peoples to see" (Lk 2:30-31).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July27, 2010
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