There I was again, kneeling in the confessional, declaring the same sins to the priest for what felt like the hundredth time. Do you ever feel as though you just can’t seem to conquer that one area of sin in your life—the gossip, the anger, the gluttony, the sloth, the pornography? Do you ever imagine that the Lord must be exhausted of you declaring those same sins every time you meet His mercy in the Sacrament?
Today’s familiar Gospel paints a picture of a father with limitless, merciful love for his son. My favorite artistic depictions of this Gospel illustrate the father with arms open wide, immediately ready to embrace his wayward son upon his arrival. It is a picture of the way the Father waits to receive you in the confessional—every single time you enter in humility and bravery—no matter how many times you have confessed those same sins before.
The Lord desires that we work to conquer our habitual sins that separate us from His love. But when we have not yet conquered them, never does He angrily reply to our confession . . . . really? Seriously, again? Come on. His response is always love. His response is always mercy. His response is always open arms. We must hold fast to the reality that He receives us again and again as we boldly approach Him, ready to help us put those habitual sins behind us for good.
No matter how many times it has been, remember this: He takes the posture of the Father each time—with arms open wide, robe and ring at the ready, always prepared and delighted to welcome you home.
Have you planned to attend one of our Shine retreats this year? The attendees always say how fulfilling it is to go to Confession and Mass and hear the talks with their sisters in Christ.
Emily Wilson-Hussem planned her whole life to become a sports reporter but turned out to be a Catholic musician and speaker at the hand of God. She lives out of her suitcase and travels across the world speaking to people of all ages. The heart of her ministry is offering encouragement to teen girls in search of their true identity, and she loves every second of it. She is the author of I Choose the Sky and Go Bravely. You can find out more about her here.
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