Lent is the season of return. This is the theme we hear in the weekday liturgies of Lent, especially in the Old Testament readings. Day after day, we hear accounts of the people coming back to the Lord, opening their hearts to confess their sins and failures, and asking his forgiveness. The people’s honesty about themselves and their weaknesses is astonishing. So is their confidence that God will treat them with mercy and welcome them back. As I write, we are early in the second week of Lent. On Monday, we heard the prophet Daniel’s confession: “We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.” Even the saints are sinners. The Scriptures tell us that the righteous fall seven times daily. That is why we need confession. We need to have some way to tell God that we are sorry, to hear his words of forgiveness, and to pick ourselves up. The most beautiful scenes in the Gospel are scenes of confession and forgiveness, as Jesus shows the merciful face of God to those who come seeking healing and liberation. We all remember the story of the prodigal son who confesses his sins and is welcomed home to the loving arms of his father. God’s mercy matters; we all need it. That is why his door is always open to us, he is always waiting for our return. Just as in the story of the prodigal son. God forgives the contrite heart, even though we continue to sin or make the same mistakes. What is important is our resolve, our desire to get stronger, to grow in holiness. Here I want to appeal to you to make a habit of regular confession — once a month, even once every couple of weeks. Do not make it complicated, or get hung up on the “form.” The priest will be there to help you. Tell the priest, “Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you.” Then confess your sins. Speak honestly, tell all your sins; you do not need to go into detail or give explanations. And most important, have true sorrow in your heart and the intention not to commit these sins again. Just know that the more often you go to confession, the easier it gets. The better you are able to examine your conscience and to make a complete confession, the more satisfying the experience is.[1]
[1] Excerpt from Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’s reflection, “Mercy for the Journey” March 2022.