Have you really listened when the words of absolution are pronounced? What a wonderful thing to hear right at the beginning “God, the Father of Mercies…” Isn’t that something to be truly appreciated and heard as blessed words of hope? Is not then the work of the Confessional a work of great love from God. Should we not see this as one of the greatest works of God for His fallen creation?

Imagine the great plan in place after the Fall in which this wonder grace would be offered to us. The outcome of the Resurrection is the Redemption of humanity and its return to the Father. That same Father looks to us to return on a continual basis, because He knows our nature” Since God is love (1 John 4:8), that love finds its greatest work in the Cross, and the related work in the Confessional to bring us back on a regular basis.

In 2008, Benedict XVI said this: “Those, on the other hand, who recognize that they are weak and sinful entrust themselves to God and obtain from him grace and forgiveness.” This was from his reflection on a Gospel reading we heard recently at the Sunday Mass of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. When we trust the Heavenly Father we to can find peace and forgiveness.

Our busy world rushes about and many forget this great prize, the “pearl of great price” is indeed worth everything to have. So when we stop to reflect on this we need to ask ourselves when and where was the last time we heard those precious words “God, the Father of Mercies…” and seek out when we can hear them again. God doesn’t tire of us, Pope Francis has said, but “we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” Find in God the infinite love and unfailing compassion who is always “there first,” ready to receive and embrace us.