On the porch of a cabin, by a lake,

an old man sits in his rocking chair and remembers, with tears in his eyes,

a boy making his confession.

After kneeling in the confessional

the boy makes the Sign of the Cross

and listens to the Priest say,

“May God who has enlightened every heart,

help you to know your sins

and trust in His mercy.”

The boy says, “Amen”

“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

It has been one week since my last confession.”

There is a pause.

“Go ahead, Davy, We are listening.”

“Yes, Father.”

There is a pause.

“Father, I disobeyed.

I am so sorry.

I’m a good boy, Father.

You know I go to Mass every Sunday.

I am one of your altar boys.

You told me I’m a good altar boy.

You told me my Mom and Dad should be proud.

I told you, my parents and siblings

say the Rosary every night.

I told you before I go to bed

I look at Jesus on the Cross.

I say my prayers.

I think about Jesus,

feeling hurt and sometimes I cry.

In the morning I ask Jesus

to forgive me for being a crybaby.

I go to Confession every Saturday.

You know that.

You hear my confession.

Sometimes, I am not sure I committed a sin.

I still go to Confession.

You like me.

I talk to you.

I ask to be forgiven.

Father, I am sorry I ran away from you.

I got scared.

You said to come back.

I didn’t come back.

Please ask Jesus to forgive me.

I will say

The Act Of Contrition.

Oh my God,

I am heartily sorry for having offended you,

and I detest all my sins

because of your just punishments,

but most of all because

they offended You, my God,

Who are all Good and

deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve,

with the help of Your Grace,

to sin no more and

to avoid the near occasions of sin.

Amen.

Father, I am ready to hear my

penance.

Father?…Father?…”

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