CONFESSION WITH A HEART CONTRITE
I wanted more out of my confessions. I was going to confession weekly, and I often found myself confessing the same sins, almost expecting to repeat them. It was after reflecting on the story of the prodigal son - and finding myself oddly jealous of the prodigal son - that I was determined to confess with a contrite heart.
There are two parts to a contrite heart: genuine sorrow for one’s sins and sincere desire to change. I was jealous of the prodigal son for his genuine sorrow for his sins: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21). I want to feel sorrow during confession and admittedly felt guilty that I hadn’t.
In today’s first reading, the king of Nineveh shows the sincere desire to change his ways. Prompted by Jonah's warning, the king responded with inspiring faith. He replaced his royal attire for sackcloth, proclaimed a city-wide fast, and “sat in the ashes”. The king took action upon his sincere desire to change, and that’s how I want to act post-confession.
I’m determined to make a confession with genuine sorrow for my sins and sincere desire to change. God values a contrite heart above all else, as revealed by the prodigal son’s repentance and by the king’s humble actions. God accepts their contrite hearts and saves them, as he does with me in confession.
Today’s psalm echoes this perfectly: “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.”
Joe Caparros