Reflect
Many of us are nervous when it comes to going to confession. We worry about what to say, and whether we will say or do it right. What if we make a mistake? Forget something? Mess up? Too often we are so focused on ourselves and our sins that we forget the gift of reconciliation. A gift of ourselves, of our shame and weakness. Our fears and our failings. Hold nothing back. When we open our heart completely before God, broken and contrite, we become the acceptable sacrifice—a gift God never scorns, never rejects.
Pray
Lord Jesus,
you are the source of all mercy and love.
Contrite and broken I come before you.
Have mercy on me, a lowly sinner.
Give me the courage and faith
to make an honest and sincere confession,
and to trust in your mercy all the days of my life.
Act
Take some time to read and reflect on the beautiful penitential Psalm 51, and pay special attention to verses 16-17. What kind of sacrifice does God want from you?
