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Sometimes we might be afraid to go to confession. It is a strange fear, as the priest has heard worse things and Jesus is there in the confessional waiting to clean our soul.
Whatever it is that prevents us from going to confession, one way to prepare ourselves is to recall the various parables of the Gospels. In them Jesus gave us beautiful images that we can apply to our own use of the sacrament.
For example, below is a short prayer attributed to St. Jerome that has been used by many as a prayer before confession. It reminds us of the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Good Shepherd. Both images fit perfectly when viewed in light of the sacrament of confession. If you feel hesitant to avail yourself of the sacrament, pray this prayer and let God’s mercy wash over you and lead you back into the fold.
Show me, O Lord, your mercy, and delight my heart with it. Let me find you whom I so longingly seek. Behold, here is the man whom the robbers seized, manhandled, and left half dead on the road to Jericho. Kindhearted Samaritan, come to my aid! I am the sheep who wandered into the wilderness. Seek after me and bring me home again to your fold. Do with me according to your Will, that I may abide with you all the days of my life, and praise you with all those who are with you in heaven for all eternity. Amen.
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And today we celebrate...