Lent Week 3: Saturday
THRONE OF MERCY
Noticing that a group of children about to have their first Confession were anxious and afraid, the priest started off with a conversation. He found out that most were fearful that the experience would be akin to scolding, blaming, punishing; these ideas were fed into them by their parents or other adults in their families.
So the priest explained the sacrament in terms of love, tenderness, mercy, and fatherly care. There is no need to fear or avoid the Lord. He knows everything about us and cares only to help us become better, to heal us, to restore us to peace and joy. This short introduction to Confession made the children relax as they savored their memorable first Confession.
The reading from Hosea has the same invitation to the people God loves. There is no need to be afraid at the thought of returning to God. We come before him to be healed; to be raised up from our fall, and to encounter his love.
So many people walk away from the sacrament of Confession thinking that it will be an experience of humiliation. But no, God does not disparage us; he encourages us and strengthens us when we approach him with confidence, when we return to him with humility.
The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable was not confident before the Lord; he was frightened so instead he boasts of his status and achievements. The tax collector, on the other hand, knew what he was doing as he worshipped. He knew that only openness and honesty about his sinfulness will make him truly free. His humility gains for him God’s favor.
Ready for Confession? There is no humiliation in God for a truly humble heart.
“pray for peace in the Middle East!”
