Not too long ago, one of my non-Catholic co-workers (well, they're all non-Catholic), was talking about his church. He mentioned that the people at his church think he's going to Hell, I suppose because he and his wife lived together before they were married. I remember thinking "That's one cool thing about being Catholic, you can go to confession and move on."
Then I thought "Soooo, why haven't I been going?"
I've been going pretty regularly ever since. I can't say that I "feel" any different. I'm certainly no less of a sinner than I was before! The difference is now I know it. I suppose that's the point. We can't comprehend the mercy of God unless we realize how unworthy of Him we are. Fr. Richard Rego writes "The more we recieve the Sacrament of Penance, the more we understand our own helplessness and human weekness...our complete dependence on the Savior" (see A Contemporary Adult Guide to Conscience for the Sacrament of Confession p.39). I remember flipping through the channels one night when I couldn't sleep and I came across one of those evangelical religious channels (you know, the one with the funny lady with purple hair). Mr. T was on, and I stopped to watch, cuz, well, he's Mr. T! Anyhow, he was talking about sin. He basically said there are sinners who have sinned and want to change, and there are sinners who have sinned and don't want to change. Knowing you've sinned, and wanting to change is half the battle. Then with the help of God's grace and the intercession of Our Lady, we can work to change our sinful ways.
It's hard not to get discouraged sometimes. But God is patient. In my case, I have some weaknesses that are hard to overcome. I have to remember that each day is a new chance to do His will, keep trying, and go to confession when I stumble - or fall on my rear!
The image is of Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son."
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