"Mercy and Confession" by Deanna Bartalini (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2017 Deanna Bartalini. All rights reserved.

"The soul that trusts in my mercy is most fortunate, because I myself take care of it. " (#1273 from St. Faustina’s Diary)

It is the truth of humanity that we often fall short of being our best, of doing our best, and of thinking our best. That falling short has a word: sin. It seems though that many people don’t like to talk about sin or admit they have sinned. Which is a shame because it is in the admitting that we are able to receive God’s mercy.

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As a Catholic, I am a big believer in the sacrament of confession. It is our opportunity to have our burdens taken from us and replaced with love and mercy. We get to start over, hoping that the next time that one sin will not return with us. Yes, the next time. No matter how hard we try there’s a next time to go to confession. Why? Because we are human and have fallen; we are not perfect.

When I think about trust in the context of confession it is a tremendous act of faith. You go and bare your soul to the priest, saying aloud things we barely whisper to our best friend, and he nods, prayerfully considers your words, gives you advice and then, through the power of his priesthood, he absolves you from your sins. Even that last one you said, hoping he wouldn’t ask why--he forgives that one too and you realize, again, how endless, deep, powerful, and needed God’s mercy is for you.

“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. “

Trusting in God’s mercy allows us security. In our need, God will not abandon us. We can call on him in love and trust, knowing he is there. There are days when I am sure of nothing else but that God is there. And it is enough. And each day, as I give more of myself to him, trust grows, faith grows, and love grows.

My prayer for you today is to trust in God’s mercy.

Copyright 2017 Deanna Bartalini