It’s around that time in Lent when many parishes will be having penance services or nights where multiple priests come in to hear confessions.
I encourage you to take advantage of it.
Because as I’ve been reflecting on the sacrament, this image came to mind: The incredible disparity within the sacrament of confession.
What I mean is this.
Our sins, when we think about them, are so great. Severing our relationship with God is so serious, so grave. The separation is terrifying.
And what we’re offered in return as remedy is infinite mercy. Christ’s sacrifice. His redemption.
When we go to the sacrament of confession, we’re given a penance. Usually a few prayers. Sometimes an act of charity or restitution.
And in comparison to our sin—and in comparison to what Christ did for us—our penance is so minuscule.
Now, I’m not saying our penances should be truly back-breaking. That’s not mine to decide.
But I think you couldn’t assign a penance that would be equal to both the devastation of sin and the gift that is Christ’s forgiveness and mercy.
The scales would never balance.
On one side: the weight of our sin, the separation from God, the offense against infinite love.
On the other side: the infinite mercy of God, the sacrifice of the cross, the blood of Christ poured out for us.
And somewhere in the middle: three Hail Marys.
At a very transactional level—and I’m not saying this is why we should do it—but for what you get and for what it costs, there’s nothing else like it.
That’s the disparity. That’s the gift.
Let us pray.
Lord, we thank you for the gift of Your mercy. Help us to humbly come to You, and accept that mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
