Have you ever exposed your vulnerability just to support a loved one? One Friday night in Lent, what began as a routine act of service turned into a profound encounter where the distance between heaven and earth seemed to disappear.
Where Mercy and Honesty Meet
In His mercy, God made my experience of going to Lenten confession at our parish on Friday night, April 11th, truly remarkable—dare I say, heavenly.
Heavenly, because it genuinely felt like a conversation with Jesus through the priest. But before I dive into that, I’d like to take a moment to talk about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
God’s mercy heals and makes us whole. This is a universal truth.
Its profoundness is at its deepest around Christmas time and Lent, where together, we are drawn by a shared desire to turn back to God.
So it’s no surprise that twice a year, Catholics all around the world approach the holy season with far-greater reverence.
We examine the conscience not only for the sins we've knowingly committed, through thought, word, or deed, but also the moments when the good that was done was without full sincerity.
Overcoming the Inner Battle
Similarly, we recall the good that was knowingly left undone, not out of ignorance, but out of selfishness or pride.
Of course, including the opportunities given us to do good but we're brushed off to the side.
These may be subtle failings — often hidden from others — but they weigh just as heavily on the soul.
So, in this time of reflection, hearts are turned toward seeking God's mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where excuses have no room—rather, having the desire to not hold back.
Meaning, only honesty and humility, and the willingness to make reparations for the offenses, and make amends to express reverence for God are the only intentions, no matter how challenging it can get.
Challenging in what way?
Well, admitting where we’ve fallen short, calls for not just humility but also courage, and the commitment to turn things around.
We know that pride can get in the way. The feeling of embarrassment can be a factor, too, right? This is where the soul finds itself in a inner battle. The feeling of embarrassment is real!
But then, we are aware that finding our way back to God who’s been calling us home all along so we can live in peace through the act of contrition, at any given moment, is at the very top of our to-do list.
And very well so during Lent and advent...
The good thing is that, with our conscience aligned to Jesus as the light of the world, we can ask Him to help us accept the invitation to meet Him at the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where He sheds light to things that hurt our relationship with Him.
And that includes the stuff we may have already forgotten due to busyness or with time that had lapsed. We do this as it what's brings balance to our spiritual health.
No Coincidences in the House of God
With all that said, here is my little sharing, because though I am aware of all that, occasionally, I find myself at a crossroad—to go or not.
To be honest, I was operating at maybe between 80% and 90% on the willingness spectrum—if I should respond to God’s invitation as my effort felt a little lackluster that night, mostly because I figured I’d be confessing the same sins and shortcomings all over again.
Oh, dear!
Believe me, I was sort of frustrated—well, more like more disappointed than anything—with myself for falling into the same patterns where the less-loving moments or version of me takes the lead.
Like walking through a revolving door and I hadn't figured out how to exit. So yeah, attending the community penance service felt a bit obligatory.
So yes, part of me went to the community penance service out of habit, part out of duty—and honestly, partly just to support my family.
I wanted to show that making the effort to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation truly matters. It was the right thing to do.
And boy, was I glad I showed up—because God clearly had something waiting for me.
Alright, so on occasions such as this at church, lines are super long. In fact, one visiting priest years ago who was scheduled to hold a retreat for us once joked that there are so many sinners in our parish.
Oh, we had a good laugh!
Okay, so here's the little sharing.
Let me start with this brief conversation I had with the parishioner behind me as I waited for my turn. And to explain this well, I should mention—any time I talk with someone, especially with a total stranger, and the topic is about God, something is stirred within me.
It’s like a spiritual recharge. It pushes me to lean in and deepen my relationship with the Father.
Finding Jesus in the Conversation
This parishioner's spirituality really spoke to me—so much so that it made me want to step up my own efforts to love God more intentionally!
If you’ve read the other articles I’ve published here, you know I no longer believe in coincidences. That held true again when—
Out of all the parishioners in attendance—this lovely parishioner happened to be next in line after me. If that wasn't by orchestrated by God—I don't know what is.
My gaze was on Jesus on the cross as I waited for my turn. I told Him what I had battled with before heading to church, though I knew He already knew it.
I told Him it was very important for me to experience Him through whomever priest I was assigned to, as there were nine of them that night to accommodate the huge turnout of parishioners.
A Heart-to-Heart with the Father
Then, my turn came...
I have to say, it was such a beautiful confession! It wasn’t merely a confession — it felt like a conversation.
I sensed Jesus right there, and because of that, my thoughts flowed so naturally. I poured my heart out.
I took full advantage of this heavenly conversation—something I’d do in prayer, but this time, Jesus was speaking to me through the priest.
So there I was seated next to the priest and talked about the things that concern me that often has led to offending God.
Believe me when it was nothing short of joy! I loved every moment of it. It was something I've always wanted—having a nice discussion with Jesus.
Perhaps you'd think of me silly if I'd tell you that I had Jesus in my head one time. We were on a road to somewhere, and He was behind the wheel—joy was painted on his face though I could only see His face sideways.
Okay so I digressed... Now back to this article.
Jesus, in His overflowing love and mercy, and His desire for me to enjoy the rest of my life— He lifted that 'burden' off my shoulders so I could journey la little lighter.
I was nearly in tears, but to avoid drama, I did my best to control them.
So, from what was initially walking in unsure going into the Sacrament of Reconciliation—I walked out feeling loved and assured of His will for my life. I walked out in peace I didn’t expect.
So, here’s my takeaway: if you ever find yourself in a similar situation—debating whether you should go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, because it feels more like an obligation than an inspiration—
Or perhaps because your heart just isn’t fully in it—I strongly suggest you go. You’ll be glad you did. Consider this a moment where you're being led by the Spirit of God. He awaits with His sacrificial love for you.
Thank you for reading! If the moments of grace here speak to your heart, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook.
And if you enjoyed this, you might also like "When God Wants Our Attention."
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Many Blessings, Emilie
A Note from my Heart
I’m Emilie, a seeker of faith who finds God in the quiet pews and the divine surprises of everyday life. I write these reflections to invite you into a slower, more soulful way of seeing the world.
