Article 4: Reconciliation of a Young Nervous Man
Yesterday I arrived at church 30 minutes before Reconciliation was supposed to begin. I knew the lines would be big and so I wanted to be early.
But as the people started pouring into the church, I got nervous. We have 4 different confessional rooms spread throughout the church and I had no idea which one the Priest would be using.
And worst of all, as usual, almost all of the people were….wait for it….OLD!
Finally, Father came out, chose his spot and sure enough, it was on the opposite end of the Church. I had to work quickly but when I reached the line there were already 5 people in front of me. And, they were the five oldest women I have ever seen in my life! Arghhhhh
Come on, I thought. I got here early because I need salvation; I actually do bad stuff, but for goodness sakes, you nice ladies can’t possibly sin like I sin and I bet you go to reconciliation every single week!
And then it hit me…..exactly.
Chances are excellent that they do not in fact confess sins that are serious as mine, and that is the point. They pray routinely, go to daily Mass, are cheritable with their time, live simple lives…and…go to Reconciliation on a regular basis. They lead lives where God freely blesses them with Love and Grace and because they are moved by God’s love, these nice old ladies love God back. For them, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one more opportunity to received God’s free gift of Grace and with that in hand, they continue to lead their lives of joy and peace.
And so, I made for myself a new goal. Someday, God willing, I will get in the confessional line ahead of some nervous young man who will look at me and say “What on earth is that Old Man going to Confession For?”
God Bless and have a wonderful Easter!
