secret sins
"No one else was about when he made himself known to his brothers. But his sobs were so loud that the Egyptians heard him." —Genesis 45:1-2
Families have a way of not talking about certain things, of keeping skeletons in their closets. Joseph's brothers refused for twenty-five years to tell their father the truth about Joseph. Do you have family secrets, family lies? Are there dark shadows over your marriage and family? Are you afraid of the truth, afraid of the light? "Everyone who practices evil hates the light; he does not come near it for fear his deeds will be exposed" (Jn 3:20).
Begin by bringing your sins into the light through Confession. Don't be afraid to let Dr. Jesus touch your wounds with His wounds and heal you (1 Pt 2:24). Finally, share these secret sins with your spouse and other family members. This may seem impossible, but after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation a special grace will be there for you. You won't see how you could ever let anyone know your shameful secrets. However, the Lord will create the perfect opportunity. You'll be with the right person at the right time. You'll know the Lord is opening the door to the closet containing your skeletons. Here's the opportunity to be free, if you by faith just open the door the rest of the way. Go ahead, trust Jesus to heal your family and set you free (Jn 8:36).
Prayer: Jesus, You are the Truth that will reveal the truth and set me free (Jn 8:32).
Promise: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons. The gift you have received, give as a gift." —Mt 10:8
Praise: Trusting in God's infinite love, Jane was able to confront her fears of having been raised in an alcoholic household and was healed.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on The Necessity of Confession for Renewal on audio AV 70-1 or video V-70.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 22, 2007
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