As we begin our Lenten preparation for Easter, let us reflect on the sacrament of Confession. Unfortunately many people are reluctant to go to confession for various reasons. It is important to realize that a call to repentance is never an occasion to "put oneself down", to reject or despise oneself because of faults and failings or even serious sins. It is much better to think of repentance as an opportunity to reflect on ourselves and our relationship with God and so to improve that relationship.

Nowadays, we often use the phrase "quality of life". It is enlightening to use this phrase in reference to repentance and confession: we are invited to reflect on the quality of our spiritual life, our life of faith, hope and love.

"A steadfast spirit renew within me". These words from the responsorial psalm offer another, perhaps more challenging, thought about Confession. The prophet Jeremiah consoles us with God's words: "I have loved you with an everlasting love, so I am constant in my affection for you" (Jeremiah 31:3). While God is forever constant, on reflection we will have to admit that, even though we are not evil people, we are not really so constant in our love of God.