Fr. Scott A. Haynes
Walking toward St. Peter’s Basilica, we cross the Tiber River. As we walk over the Sant’Angelo Bridge, we see this inscription:
“Hinc humilibus venia. Hinc retribuito superbis.”
Which translates,
“Here, there’s forgiveness for the humble. Here, there’s punishment for the proud.”
As we enter the confessional, we ought to keep these words before us. Want to make a good confession? Be humble and honest. Keep confession simple. Get to the point. We don’t need to muddy the waters with unnecessary details. Confession isn’t therapy. When we confess sin, exhaustive detail isn’t necessary. We shouldn’t be vague or hide our sins. We ought to just say plainly what we did and leave it at that. Want to be close to God? Want to enjoy peace of heart? St. Faustina advises that we be frank with our confessor, because
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
A Prayer for making a humble confession
Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten me to see my sins. Give me true repentance for my sins and the grace to speak frankly. Let me trust in Thy abundant mercy. Jesus, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
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