Reflect
How many times do we find ourselves haunted by a mistake or a poor choice, wincing at the sting of regret? If only I had exercised more, if only I had studied harder, if only I started sooner, if only I had said yes instead of no. This kind of “if only” thinking can too easily become a habit. Past failings and mistakes are a smokescreen, blinding us to the present, to the grace of God, and to the truth of who we are and what we were made to be. To acknowledge our failings is one thing; to make them our identity is quite another.
Pray
St. Paul,
Blinded by your devotion to the law,
you once sought to destroy the early Church
until the Lord opened your eyes to his merciful love.
And instead of living a life of regret, you repented
of your efforts and became one his greatest disciples.
Help me to repent of all my sins and failings,
open my eyes to the grace of God’s mercy,
and set me free from the merciless chains of regret.
Act
Repentance is not just an idea; it is an action. We must change course and turn away from our old habits and ways of living, talking, and behaving. When you think of your regrets, is there one in particular that stands out to you? A person you hurt or chose not to help? If you can, contact that person and tell them about your regret. Let them know you are sorry and that you want to change. If you cannot contact them in person, take it to prayer. Ask the Blessed Virgin to help you, and ask her to visit that person for you, wherever they are. She is actually quite good at that sort of thing.
