The life of grace is powerful. It’s something that can’t help but shine forth through a person’s life and eyes.
Imagine standing in front of a room full of 80 high school juniors and seniors who have all just been to confession. And they’re all staring straight at you. Powerful.
This weekend I had this experience. Liz, Julian, and I were sharing testimonies at “Hearts on Fire” — St. John Vianney’s Confirmation Retreat — about moments when God’s love had changed our lives. For Julian, it was in adoration. Mine was during a 12-hour van ride. For Liz, it was through a near death experience.
For 3 or 4 teens had just made their first confession. Most hadn’t received this sacrament for years. They had literally just been “reborn” in Christ. It was evident that a weight of sin and weight had been lifted, and they were now been brought to a deep inner peace and freedom.
And I had walked with them through the process: the preparation, approaching them one on one as they waited- asking them how they felt going into their confession, if they were nervous, and if it had been awhile — and then being there to congratulate them afterwards.
As Liz began our introduction, I glanced over the crowd before us. That power of God’s life radiating through their eyes struck me, and a deep gratitude to God overwhelmed me.
And I could honestly say they were not the same as they had been when I met them the night before.
Blest be God.
