Sins are like ear wax

I came up with metaphor for sins and the sacrament of reconciliation (confession).  I figure it will help me explain to my daughter (one day) why we should practice the sacrament of reconciliation.  So here it goes.

Sins are like ear wax.  How?  Well, with time if we do not clean out our ears, ear wax will build up in our ear canal and eventually we will not be able to hear clearly or at all.  Sins are the same way.  If you do not confess your sins, your soul gets clogged up with sins.  So what happens?  You do not to hear the Holy Spirit clearly.  Every time we confess our sins, is like cleaning out the wax in our ears.  The more we clean out our ears, the more we prevent ear wax build up and the better we can hear.  The more often we confess our sins, the better we can here the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

Did you ever feel that God is not hearing your prayers?  Did you ever wonder if you were doing your part?  Prayers is important.  Silence is important.  Confession is also very important.  You cannot do just one part and expect great results.  It’s like a recipe, you need all the ingredients to achieve a delicious meal.  

Once a priest asked me if I knew where the tradition of the piñata came from.  I had no clue.  He explained to me that the piñata began when the Spaniard conquistadors arrived to Mexico.  The Spanish priests were trying to explain to the Mexican Indians why they should confess their sins and that is where the idea of the piñata was created.  The traditional piñata is circle with seven cones (not Dora or spider man) which represent the seven deadly sins.  The Spanish priests explained to the Indians that going to confession frequently was like hitting the piñata.  Every hit was like going to confession in faith of breaking that sin.  Once you break the piñata, you have broken the pattern of that sin.  All the sweet candy comes falling down just like the sweetness of breaking the chains of that sin.  Pretty sweet!

So imagine not being able to hear because of the wax in your ears.  You would miss out on some great conversations.  So clear out the ear wax from your soul and make a trip to the confession booth because you might be missing out.  Afterwards, you can celebrate with a piñata.  

Broken hearts

A couple of years ago I went to a fund raiser banquet for Room at the Inn of the Carolinas, which is a non-profit organization that helps homeless pregnant woman.  At this event, the speaker for the evening was Norma McCorvey.  I had no idea who Norma McCorvey was until someone explained to me that Ms. McCorvey was “Roe” from Roe vs Wade, decision which legalized abortion.  My first thought was why is she coming to speak at this event when obviously Room at the Inn of the Carolinas is pro-life.  I was interested to hear what she was going to say. 
Ms. McCorvey explained that she was 21 when the case was filed and had never had an abortion.  She was once an abortion right supporter, now a vocal anti-abortion activist and has started her own ministry.  You could tell that she deeply regrets supporting the decision and by the grace of God has changed her heart.
Nearly 50 million abortions have been performed in the U.S. since Roe v. Wade.  Imagine all the women and men who have been affected by abortions.  Not only do we need to focus on the innocent lives but also the wounds left behind on the parents.  Abortion clinic forget to mention to their patients that many will have their hearts broken.  If you, or if you know someone who has been affected by abortion, you are not alone.  The Catholic Church has a ministry called Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries.  Click on the link below for more information.  http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/
Let us pray for all the innocent lives lost and broken hearts due to abortion.  Our Lady of Guadalupe pray for us.   

Why start a blog?

As a new mom, I learn something new everyday.  I decided to start a blog so I can share the Catholic faith and the challenges we face as Catholic madres (mothers).  Why a Catholic madre?  Well, I am a Catholic madre who speaks Spanglish (which is a blend of English and Spanish).  If you are the first generation of Hispanic decent in the USA, you probably do the same.  I hope you enjoy the blog.  I am not an expert but I believe by sharing the faith, we come to learn and understand deeply our relationship with God.  Blessings.