I believe anyone who engages in honest self-examination who reads today’s Gospel must feel at least a twinge of regret for actions taken in one’s own life. In my case, it’s more than a twinge — it’s veritably a knife to the heart. I can be extremely quick to judge the actions of others yet blind to those or worse faults of my own I won’t bother trying to list all of the times this has occurred. You probably don’t have all day to devote to reading this reflection. But in general I can be easily wounded by criticism, but all too willing to deploy my sharp tongue on others. I find that going to confession when I don’t feel pressured into it is a tremendously uplifting experience. By not waiting too long between confessions I can be more honest about my sins and shortcomings. In other words, with a little help I actually get the plank out of my eye, at least for a while. If you haven’t been to confession in a while why not plan on going soon? You can take written notes in with you. Tell the priest you haven’t been in a while and he will help you through the process. Believe me, it will make a big difference in your life! |