“Look at the cross and let Jesus gaze on you.”
This was what the priest asked of me towards the end of my penitential session. What did it mean?
Sinner that I am (and unfortunately, will be again), will Jesus rebuke me when he gazes on me? Sometimes children need to be scolded so they do not repeat the same mistake. I feel I need to be scolded. But Jesus’s gaze is not like that.
I forgive you
I love you
You are mine
Take my hand
Go with me
Sin no more
Forever mine
Sometimes, it gets lonely being a widow. Again the priest’s advice is profound. He said, “Seek a pure relationship.” I am reminded of Fr Sam’s Lent Recollection hymn.
Yeshua
My beloved is the most beautiful
Among thousands, and thousands
Jesus is the perfect partner. He will always protect me, prosper me, and yes, praise me. He will raise me up so I can climb on mountains.
I have often dreaded going to confession but there is gold in the priest’s words. Then it dawns on me.
It is not the priest before me but Jesus himself who was gazing on me as I said my Act of Contrition. I am sorry for my sins. Have mercy on me. Because you are so good, I will try not to sin again.
Jesus, continue to gaze on me. I will try not to sin again.
Written by Karen R-Fong