We are now completing the third week of our Lenten practice. As we take stock of our sins (and our deeds of holiness as well) our examination of conscience helps us to prepare for Holy Week that is so near.

We are reminded of the passage from St. Paul, “now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2).

In other words, as we work to identify our sins and what keeps us from Christ, we must delay no longer. For each of us the day of judgment is approaching. Heaven or hell, Christ’s love for eternity or not, that is what is in the balance.

The good news is that God is always waiting to forgive. That has been perhaps the principal insight of Pope Francis and his pontificate. We have only to repent and to ask for the forgiveness. But ask we must.

This dynamic of God’s love and our human reluctance to break with our sins to seek pardon is part of our human condition. It plays out regularly in the forgiveness of God entrusted to the Church through the priest in the sacrament of confession.

Part of the beauty of that sacrament is the moment when each of us walks through the door of the confessional. Our approach to the sacrament is a part of our renunciation of our sinfulness.

As we have the last two years, on March 16, throughout the Diocese of Rockford, we will celebrate Be Reconciled Day.

Our priests have been asked to do everything possible to hear confessions on that day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is an attempt to be available to everyone’s schedule.

But it is more. It is an invitation to come, especially for those who have been away from confession, maybe even for many years.

Typically, priests find among those who have not gone to confession for a long time, there are several reasons for falling away from the sacrament.

Sometimes, they express discomfort confessing to the priest, another human being. It’s probably fair to say that even those who confess regularly are familiar with that discomfort, at least to some extent. But it is overcome by the knowledge that the power of forgiveness was entrusted to these human instruments by Jesus Himself.

By confessing, we are participating in the Gospel words of Christ spoken to the Church, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (Jn. 20:23).

Additionally, many find comfort and consolation in the human contact of confession.

The alternative of privately confessing directly to God often leaves a doubt in the mind of the penitent. Did I merely justify myself? Did I truly pour out my conscience?

The dialogue with the priest and those closing words, “I absolve you from your sins,” spoken by Jesus through the confessor, often give great comfort and assurance.

Some put off confession for fear of embarrassment. In response, we should keep in mind that over time, priests have heard in confession pretty much everything. That should limit any self-consciousness in confessing.

But more importantly, as priests, we are hearing confessions for only one reason. As part of the ministry of Christ entrusted to us, we want to forgive. We want to help you get to heaven.

Some put off confession because they struggle with a sin that has kept them from coming, and maybe from the Church altogether. Some feel conflicted, knowing that a certain action or attitude is taught to be a sin. While they wish to be cleansed, there is perhaps an element of that sin about which they are uncertain.

Perhaps they are uncertain that they accept the whole of the Church’s teaching. Perhaps, uncertain if some circumstance mitigated their guilt.

The best solution? Come to confession and place those doubts before the priest. Talk it over with him. Maybe more time or reflection will be needed. Still, how often that talk opens doors and consciences.

Finally, many people have stayed away from the sacrament of confession because of a sin they wrestled with that was painful and took place long ago.

The last two years of Be Reconciled Day has brought reports and stories of many who found the courage and peace to confess long held sins on that day. For some, they just knew a day would come when they needed to be free of this pain. The mere passage of time does not forgive.

For others, the idea of being part of an engagement by so many on the same day brought courage and comfort. For some, they were encouraged by the Church’s invitation, perhaps through their pastor, some through the bishop.

Let me conclude by making that personal invitation once more. I, and the Church, invite you to come to confession on Be Reconciled Day. The Church awaits you. Your priests await you.

Most especially, if you have been a way for a long time, please come. Now is a very acceptable time.