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…” Is that not something to really 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?
At some point in our lives we find ourselves at a place and time that leaves an impression on us, indents itself into our being. Often this is connected to an event or series of events. The result is a lasting change to our lives, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Sometimes these moments are without asking, others are our choice, and some of them change us in ways we did not expect.