Trip's First Confession

John 20: 22-23 "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'"

Dear Trip, while preparing for your First Confession this week I got a little glimpse of the man you are becoming.  As we studied the Ten Commandments for you to be aware of your possible sins you took it very seriously.  You were not afraid to humbly acknowledge when your actions may have hurt others.  You really were acting like a man.

 Boys hide from their weaknesses, try to hide them or excuse them away.  You faced your actions, were honest with yourself and took your sins to Jesus.  I was so proud.   It takes a strong man to admit his faults in the confessional.  

And I have much confidence that as you grow in faith you will be a man I will be very proud to call my son.  I look forward to you continuing to grow in self control.  I hope you will stand up for the weak, take care of the poor, and love the unwanted.  You have such an energy about you and if you can grow in your love for God you will set the world on fire.

What I want most for you, my son, is to be a GOOD man.  I man who doesn't hurt others to get what he wants.  A man who can humbly see that he is a sinner and needs God.  A man who is willing to sacrifice for his family.  And I got a little glimpse of this man today and it filled me with so much joy!