What dost Thou chiefly require of a guilty and wretched sinner, but that he heartily repent, and humble himself for his sins. In true contrition and humility of heart is brought forth hope of forgiveness: a troubled conscience is reconciled; grace that was lost is recovered; a man is secured from the wrath to come, and God meets the penitent soul in the holy kiss of peace.
Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice to Thee, O Lord, of far sweeter odour in Thy sight than the burning of frankincense. This is also that pleasing ointment which Thou wouldst have to be poured upon Thy sacred feet, for a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (Ps. 1). Here is a sure place of refuge from the face of the wrath of the enemy. Here whatever has been elsewhere contracted of uncleanness is amended and washed away.
-Bk. III, ch. lii.
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I had displeased her, and when I went to beg pardon she seemed much moved: "If only," she said, "you knew what I feel! I can understand now with what love Jesus receives us when we ask pardon for a fault. If I, a poor creature, could feel such tender affection when you came to me, what then must be God's attitude towards the repentant sinner: He will blot out the memory of our sins, even more swiftly than I forget the fault you committed, and He will love us more after our fall than before."
-Conseils et Souvenirs.
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Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
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