Lenten Reflection Day 38

“I was wrong.” “My mistake.” “I should not have done or said that.” Are you a person who can easily admit a personal fault or failure? Do you often times find yourself making excuses for why you said or did something? If I’m being honest then I’d have to admit I fall into the latter category. Not all the time, but sometimes. It’s not easy quieting that little devil sitting on our shoulder who loves to whisper all kinds of sinful suggestions in our ear.

Hopefully this Lent has allowed you extra time to reflect upon growing closer to God. Perhaps you were encouraged by a friend, loved one, or pastor to seek out the sacrament of reconciliation BEFORE we were all quarantined! There’s no better way to start returning to the Lord then by asking for His forgiveness first. He meets us in the confessional with open arms. Instead of scolding retribution, He pours out His sanctifying grace, a homing device, if you will, that helps Him to follow us closely so that we are never too far from His help, love, and grace.

While most of us will not be able to attend Mass on Easter Sunday, or receive communion this year, we can still make every effort to prepare our souls to receive Jesus in whatever way we are able, including a spiritual communion. Examining our conscience is the way we can prepare. If it’s been awhile, don’t fret, the internet is filled with various forms of this exercise. Several religious orders such as the Franciscans and Benedictines have a version, handed down by their saintly founders. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops has a few they publish on their website.

Saints Padre Pio and Sister Faustina also have guides as well. Browse through until you find one you like and then prayerfully do some interior reflection. Most priests are conducting the sacrament of reconciliation by appointment. If you are unable to schedule a time, then continue with the examination of conscience anyway. You can begin preparing yourself for whenever the time comes. Just as we are now making spiritual communions, you may make a spiritual confession of sorts, asking God for His mercy and His help to stay away from sin.

“In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man is sick on account of sin. For that reason he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the sacrament of penance.” St. Thomas Aquinas.

Blessings to You and Yours!