In these latter days of the Church year, we hear the parable of the repentant tax collector. The prayer which he utters “Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner” is the most simple and profound act of contrition that one can say. In fact, I often teach people to say this one instead of the longer version we all learned in grade school.
In the sacrament of reconciliation there are several steps. First, is the acknowledgement that one is in need of God’s mercy. Second, one confesses his or her sins without excuse or explanation. Third, the priest offers counsel and direction for amending one’s life. Fourth, the penitent makes an act of contrition and a resolution to “sin no more.” Finally, the priest pronounces the words of absolution and dismisses the penitent. But the key element is that the penitent is sorry for his or her sins and resolves not to sin again.
In other words, we need to be humble enough to see our faults and how they are messing up our lives. Then we need to take positive steps to change our behaviors and get back on the right path. Sometimes, it may take several attempts before we get it right. But like we heard in last week’s Gospel, we need to be persistent in our resolution to get better.
There is an old saying, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.” The same holds true for our spiritual life. How do you get to heaven? Repent, resolve, pray, and repeat.
