The Joy of Confession:

“NEMO PECCAT VIDENS DEUS”Translation: No one sins seeing God.

“Christians”by

Maya Angelou

When I say I am Christian . . .

I’m not shouting, “I am clean livin’”

I’m whispering “I was lost, Now I am found and forgiven.”

When I say I am Christian . . .

I don’t speak of this with pride.

I’m confessing that I stumble and need

Christ to be my guide.

When I say I am Christian . . .

I’m not trying to be strong.

I’m professing that I’m weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say I am Christian . . .

I’m not bragging of success.

I’m admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say I am Christian . . .

I’m not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible

But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say I am Christian . . .

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say I am Christian . . .

I’m not holier than thou,

I’m just a simple sinner

Who received God’s good GRACE somehow!

joy (joi) n. a very glad feeling; great pleasure

• Cooking• Living• Loving• Vegan Baking• Teaching• Motherhood• Sex• Sox (i.e., socks)• Chemistry• First Year Piano

But . . . Joy of CONFESSION?!

For Your Reflection

1. What’s your response to the theological proverb that no one sins seeing God?

2. The Examination (next slide) I share with you tonight is designed to foster an awareness of God, neighbor, and self. The Examination holds a special place in the daily prayers of Jesuit priests, brothers, and seminarians from every part of the world. Since Jesuit beginnings, founder St. Ignatius Loyola consistently spoke of the value of this spiritual exercise for all believers everywhere.

Examination of Conscience• Thanksgiving

– Lord, I realize that all, even myself , is gift from you. Today for what things am I most grateful?

• Intention– Lord, open my eyes and ears to be more honest with myself. Today

what do I really want for myself?• Examination

– Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day. Today, in what ways have I experienced your love?

• Contrition– Lord, I am still learning to grow in your love. Today, what choices have

been inadequate responses to your love?• Hope

– Lord, let me look with longing towards the future. Today, how I let you lead me to a brighter tomorrow?

References

Sources for images:• http://www.smh.com.au/news/world-youth-day/high-demand-for-conf

essionals/2008/07/19/1216163225930.html• http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raider4/europe.0602/germany/mainz/churc

hes/s_peter/interior/confessionals/IMGP1033.JPG• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/Confessionalnew.jpg• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/SantCompostel

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• Schiro, F. (S.J.) (2010). Praying the Jesuit examination of conscience. Adapted from All the Days of Life, a collection of prayers compiled by Father Nick Schiro, S. J.