Through absolution, man is united to Christ the Redeemer, who chose to take our sins upon Himself. Through this union, the sinner participates once again in that fountain of grace which flows unceasingly from the open side of Jesus.
At the moment of absolution, we should intensify the sorrow for our sins, perhaps saying one of the prayers provided in the ritual—such as the words of Saint Peter: "Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You." We will renew our resolution of amendment and listen attentively to the words of the priest granting us God's forgiveness.
This is the time to bring to mind the joy of recovering grace (if we had lost it) or its increase and our greater union with the Lord. Saint Ambrose says: "Behold, [the Father] comes to meet you; He will lean upon your shoulder, He will give you a kiss, a pledge of love and tenderness; He will have them bring you a robe, shoes... You still fear a reprimand... you are afraid of an angry word, and He prepares a banquet for you." Our Amen then becomes a great desire to begin anew, even if we have only confessed venial faults.
After Confession: Gratitude and Action
After every Confession, we should thank God for the mercy He has shown us and pause, even briefly, to determine how to put into practice the advice or guidance received, or how to make our resolution of amendment and improvement more effective. A manifestation of that gratitude is also to ensure that our friends approach that fountain of grace—bringing them closer to Christ, as the Samaritan woman did. Transformed by grace, she ran to announce it to her neighbors so that they too might benefit from the unique opportunity of Jesus passing through their city.
We will hardly find a better work of charity than announcing to those covered in mud and without strength the fountain of salvation we have found, where we are purified and reconciled with God.
Points for Reflection
Do we use the means to carry out an effective apostolate of sacramental confession?
Do we bring our friends closer to this Tribunal of Divine Mercy?
Do we foster the desire to purify ourselves by frequenting the Sacrament of Penance?
Do we delay that encounter with God’s Mercy?
HCD