Today's readings take us to an Old Testament writer about whom little is known. Zephaniah only tells us in chapter one, verse one, that he is the son of Cushi! (Surely a character we all know!!!) But with that one name we know he was the great-great grandson of Hezekiah, a name we have heard before. From his writings and knowing his lineage, scripture scholars estimate that he wrote between 640 and 612 BC. That would have him prophesying during the reign of Josiah.
The entire book is a dialog between God and the prophet about the evil, the wickedness that existed in Jerusalem and Judea at the time. Hezekiah is often referred to as the prophet of doom and gloom because he focuses so much upon the evil of his times and before. However, in the words of today's reading it is clear that he does believe that those who have a metanoia, a true change of heart, will be granted salvation. This prophet did see in the virtue of humility the surest way to effect a metanoia in one's life.
Since we are more than half way through the time of Advent Waiting, let me use this occasion to speak about the avenue that Christ gave to all of us to make the metanoia that will help us gain our eternal salvation. I speak of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are not a perfect people. Most of us know that we are sinners to one degree or another. Every journey to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an experience of humility for all of us. What it should not be, however, is an experience that is charged with fear. Recently I spoke with a person who shared with me his fear of the Sacrament ... event confessing behind a screen. When I asked "Why?": he would not find an answer. My only response to such a fear-filled man was along these lines: "My friend, do you know what the Sacrament is? You see it so much a threat, an experience of condemnation. The reality is that it is far from that. Confessing one's sins is a opening up one's heart and arms to accepting a loving and forgiving God. If you truly believe that Jesus walked to the top of the Calvary hill to be tortured and crucified for you, would you not want him let him embrace you with his forgiveness?"
The Sacrament of Reconciliation surely makes us ready to celebrate the birthday of the man whose sole mission was to reconcile all of us to God the Father. It is a Christmas gift that keeps giving us a share of God's love for us. God invites all sinners to be forgiven. Don't forget: it is his gift to you if you come to accept it.
