I haven’t been bored in a very long time. I haven’t had to be entertained in a long time. I have peace, and I am very content. Yes, there are a lot of things that need to change in my life and no, I am not the Saint I hope to be and want to be. Still, I can see that God is working in my life and that He is doing a mighty work. I am not doing a thing, except responding to the grace that the Lord is providing. My life is not sad. Would I say that I have no regrets, well no, because there are plenty of things that I would do differently today. Hindsight is 20/20. Yet, God has shown me how to go on with my life. One of the best things I have ever learned to do was to confess my sins on a monthly basis. It allowed me to walk in freedom and to hear that I was forgiven. Good advice has been given to me in the confessional, and it has helped me to go forward in my relationship with God. Confession is so, so good for the soul. I would be lost without it, and it helps this wretched sinner to be filled with graces and blessings that help my life continue in a somewhat crooked path toward God. God sure does make straight with crooked lines! I remember my second confession because it took place when I was a senior in high school. I really didn’t want to go. I had no real desire, and I definitely didn’t want to talk about some sins. But God sent His Spirit to help me to confess all that I needed to do that day. On that day, this captive was set free, and I remember the zeal and excitement that I came back with to spread the faith. Confession is a tremendous gift. We should frequent it because we are all sinners in need of forgiveness, and we sure could use the graces that this Sacrament provides. Please do not be afraid to get to confession often. It will change our lives for the better, and we will find that we definitely have more peace in it. Go to confession and let yourselves be free of the past!
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault