By Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD   A teacher in religious instruction once asked her class, “What is the first requirement to be forgiven in confession.” The teacher expected the answer to be: “Repentance” (sorrow for sins). But one pupil stood up and said: “You must first commit sin!” * * * Then a priest once said to another, “There’s a lot to be said for sin, you know. If it didn’t exist, we’d be out of job.” Indeed, a priest is ordained and empowered to forgive sins. * * * One meaningful practice in Lent is personal renewal through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or confessing one’s sins. Thus, we have such timely and worthwhile activities like “Kumpisalan ng Bayan.“ Some observers remark: “Many are receiving Holy Communion but few are going to confession.” * * * While it is true that you need not confess if you do not have a mortal sin, a good Catholic should go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a year, especially in Lent or Holy Week, a practice which is called the “Easter duty.” * * * CONFESSING SAME SINS.In regard to confessions that center on common faults, like impatience, unkindness, swearing, one should not feel discouraged. But confessing light sins means that we continue to make the EFFORT to overcome these—even though it takes a lifetime. * * * Without regular confession, there might well have been for the individual concerned a descent from impatience to a more serious sin like unrestrained anger leading to violence. * * * SINS OF OMISSION. Another pitfall on confessing one’s sins is the tendency to be too negative or too much concerned with the violation of formal laws. Did I miss Mass on Sunday? Did I steal? Did I receive communion without observing the eucharistic fast of one hour? * * * Confessing offenses is a vital part of the sacrament but what the penitent often forgets is what he or she OMITS to do in regard to charity as summed up in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Thus, we should ask ourselves such questions like: “Did I make positive effort to be kind to those with whom I live and work with? * * * Did I fail to reach out to a person in need when I could have done so? Or was I wanting in saying a compliment or sincere appreciation where it is deserved?” * * * “WHY CONFESS TO A PRIEST…who’s human and sinful like me?” one may ask. Indeed, God alone is perfect and can remit sins. But he gave this power to his apostles and their successors. He said to them after his resurrection: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained” (John 20, 22). ACTION: For a meaningful Lenten season, resolve to go to confession. * * * ‘7 LAST WORDS.’ The SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. will telecast live on ABS-CBN Channel 2 and in DZMM Teleradyo the “7 Last Words” on Good Friday, March 30 at 12-3 p.m. Everybody is invited to attend the Good Friday service at the Shrine of Jesus, the Divine Word, E. Rodriguez Blvd., QC or watch it on TV. * * * BY THE WAY…we sent out solicitation letters for advertisement placements and donations. May we hear from you? Call Brian Deguito at tel. 723-3343 or e-mail me at [email protected]