We are drawing closer to the end of Lent. That points us to the entrance into the Sacred Triduum consisting of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Those are three sacred days of our liturgical year as we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, the suffering and death of Jesus and His resurrection from the dead.

Those days do not simply cover the history and memory of what is so central to our salvation. They are also a call and a reminder of the holiness that each of us needs in order to follow Christ and be joined to His offering of Himself to His Father in heaven.

The emphasis on holiness in these next two weeks is the culmination of the Lenten call for us to convert our hearts and our lives and to seek the forgiveness of our sins. That, of course, points us to the sacrament of confession.

It’s no secret that, in recent decades, while there has been a notable revival in the number of people who go to confession, many others still confess very infrequently or not at all. That is one of the reasons that the Diocese of Rockford offers a special day for confession. Be Reconciled Day, which this year will take place on March 20, has proven to be a welcome opportunity for many to receive the sacrament of penance.

For some, the large number of people going to confession that day is helpful because it creates a sense of community as one waits in line or prays after confession. In some instances, it helps people to feel less alone, less nervous.

For others, the widespread offering of confession from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the diocese facilitates stopping in, even to a neighboring church, at a time that fits a busy schedule.

Perhaps most important, Be Reconciled Day gives many who have been away from the sacrament a long time a special confidence. They know that our priests are waiting with a special attention and readiness. They are ready to help those who have been away a long time or who have a special wound that they have struggled with and need Christ’s healing forgiveness.

Here are several suggestions for preparing for your Lenten confession, especially if it has been a long time since you have done so. First, begin by just reflecting on Jesus in Holy Week. Think of His scourging, the pain and exhaustion of carrying the cross and his three hours of crucifixion. Most importantly, think about Jesus offering all He suffered to forgive sins, especially your own. He went through so much because He wants you. Now it is your turn to reach out to Him.

Second, pray to Mary asking for the grace of courage and of repentance. Mary is our mother and the mother of Jesus, and she wants to bring her children together.

Third, make a general review of your life. The Ten Commandments are a good place to start, asking yourself, how well am I living those commandments? There are also books and on-line aids to examine our consciences including a guide to confession on our own diocesan website. You can bring it and carry it your pocket or purse to help you prepare. Find the diocesan guide at https://www.rockforddiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/Guide-to-Confession-DOR-BR.pdf

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Then, when you get in to confession, tell the priest that it has been a long time. That way he will know to offer special help and reflections.

Finally, ask God for the courage and love to give an honest accounting of your sins, your hurts and even your doubts. Do so with confidence. Jesus on the cross is desiring that we approach Him this way.

The Sacred Triduum is near. So too, is our own meeting with Christ when He calls us to Himself at the end of our lives. This is a great time to seek His forgives and the holiness that will make us ready to be received into heaven itself.