Bible of the Road – Contrition and Mercy

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“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 135:1

I want to share a story that brings these words together with the teachings of the Catechism.

This post could end right here with the words of Psalm 136. This encapsulates all of Who God is. His very nature is mercy. “know that My Heart is mercy itself” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1777

When I first encountered God, truly encountered Him, I opened my eyes and heart to His mercy because of ‘imperfect contrition.’ He opened my soul through the terror of judgment and hell. I knew my sins and knew the condemnation I had earned through them. I knew the only hope I had was in Jesus’ mercy.

“The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.”

Through this act of imperfect contrition I came to know God’s Divine Mercy. The Father hit my stone heart with a sledgehammer ringing like a clarion bell. In that moment of terror, my eyes were opened to the ugliness of who I was to God. Though I tried, I couldn’t move past that need for mercy because of my fear of punishment.

Then, suddenly one night, after many visits to the Confessional, Psalm 136 and Jesus’ words to St. Faustina rang louder than all the bells in the world. “My Heart is Mercy itself, give thanks for I AM good, My steadfast love endures forever.” My imperfectly contrite heart broke. The shell came off like the cataracts from St. Paul’s eyes.

I ran to confession and knelt. I told the priest, “I want to make this my first confession, Father.” And after nearly four decades I finally did just that, I confessed my sins from a heart of contrition and love for God. I knew I wasn’t confessing from fear but instead, my confession came from the love of God that I held in my heart. I knew my sins broke His heart and that He died upon the cross for me. I knew I never wanted to sin and hurt Him ever again.

Well, yea, I have sinned again (and again). Sometimes, grievously. But, I know His Mercy endures forever. Not l, just until I’ve sinned once too often or again the same way or even because of mortal sin turning my soul scarlet. No! His Divine Mercy is forever and ever and ever. It will be offered more with each contrite confession.

“When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.” Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1452

Don’t fear hell! Run to the Father, run to Jesus, run the the Spirit! Run to Him with a heart of contriteness. Chase that perfect contrite moment when you know your confession is out of love of God, returning love for love.

His mercy is forever! His mercy outlasts your sin. His Divine Mercy can break through the most sinful heart. I know, He broke through mine.