jesus Christ in our hearts

But the main reason we bring our sins to a priest is the Church’s deep sense that sin diminishes our relationship not only with God but also with others. Hence, the need for us to confess not only to God but also to the Church. In the confessional, the priest represents both God and Church.

If we confess the same sins repeatedly, we may have to take a deeper look at how we examine our conscience. Perhaps our examination of conscience is very narrow and superficial. Do we ever examine our conscience in the light of Scripture, especially passages like Mt 5, 6 and 7, or in the light of the good that we could have done (sins of omissions)? As for dealing with a recurring or habitual sin, here are five suggestions:

• Begin each day by admitting you are powerless in dealing with your particular area of weakness. Pray: “Jesus, I admit my total weakness or addiction to this sin (name it). But I also believe that you can help me to overcome this sin. Please help me to do so today.”
• As you go through the day, be aware that you are engaged in a spiritual battle and Jesus is on your side. Be determined to avoid whatever leads you into the occasion of committing this sin.
• At night do a brief examination of conscience. For the successes, say: “Thank you, Lord.” For your failures, say an act of contrition and then resolve to fight the battle again tomorrow.
• Go to the sacrament of Reconciliation regularly until you experience victory in this area of weakness and, ideally, go to the same priest who can counsel and encourage you.
• Do some appropriate form of fasting which will train your inner muscles to say “no” to sinful habits. The main reason we repeat some sins over and over is because we never get serious about eliminating them. If we commit ourselves to acting on the above five suggestions, we will be surprised at how quickly we may experience victory over an area of weakness.

Remember that sin is not only “choosing to do wrong,” but also “failing to do good.” As disciples of Jesus, we are called not only to keep the Ten Commandments, but also to live according to the new commandment of love.

• What am I doing to express my love for God? To what extent do I seek to discover God’s will when it comes to how I use my time, treasure and talent, and make decisions? Is fostering a relationship with God through prayer a priority in my life? If it is, we will gradually become ever more aware of sinful habits in our lives. Remember that the loss of the sense of sin is nearly always connected to a loss of the sense of God. Committing to being honest with God in prayer is the best thing we can do to have a clear sense of God and his ways alive in our heart.
• To what extent do I seek to live the Golden Rule (treating others as I wish to be treated)? To what extent have I developed a compassionate heart for the marginalized members of society? Are the poor included in my budget or do they only get loose change or my leftovers?
• To what extent am I aware of my call to develop my talents and use them to some extent to bless the communities I belong to?

Coming to his senses the prodigal son thought, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.’” So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But his father ordered his servants, “Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” Then the celebration began. (Lk 15:17-24).