Story: From Despising Confession to Bearing Fruit
For twenty years, Anthony lived life on his own terms. On the outside, everything seemed successful – he was a respected entrepreneur, with a growing business and a wide circle of admirers. He knew how to charm people. He donated to charities, sponsored local events, and even showed up at Mass during Christmas and Easter. People thought highly of him.
But behind closed doors, Anthony’s life told a different story. His marriage was cold and distant, his children barely spoke to him, and he drowned his emptiness in gambling and casual affairs. He carried guilt, though he pretended not to. Whenever he passed by a church, something tugged at his conscience, but he always brushed it off. “God knows I’m a good person,” he told himself. Confession? That was for people with weak wills or old ladies who had nothing better to do. He openly mocked it: “Why confess to a priest? They’re sinners too. I can talk to God on my own.” And he did – whenever he got into trouble, he threw up a quick prayer. But deep down, he kept his heart locked.
One evening, Anthony was invited by an old friend to attend a Lenten parish mission. “It’ll be good for you,” his friend insisted. Out of politeness – and perhaps curiosity – Anthony agreed. The church was packed, but Anthony sat in the back, arms folded, already planning his exit strategy. Then the priest began to preach. He didn’t lecture or condemn. He spoke about God’s mercy, about a Father who waits for His child to come home, and about how sin hardens us without us even realizing it.
But it was one line that broke through Anthony’s defences: “You may think you’ve gone too far, that it’s too late, or that you don’t need Confession. But God is not tired of waiting. He’s only waiting for you to come back.” Anthony felt something he hadn’t felt in years—a longing to be free. Still, pride held him back. “Not me,” he thought. “I’m fine.” But his friend, seeing the struggle on Anthony’s face, quietly whispered, “I’ll go with you.” And for reasons Anthony couldn’t explain, he got up and walked toward the confessional.
He knelt down, his hands shaking. When the priest opened the screen, Anthony froze. “Father… it’s been… twenty years.” The priest’s voice was gentle. “Welcome home. Take your time.” And the dam broke. Anthony confessed everything – the betrayals, the lies, the addiction, the anger he carried toward God. He spoke until there were no more words. And then the priest said something that changed his life: “Anthony, God never stopped loving you. He’s been waiting all this time. And today, there’s more rejoicing in Heaven than you can imagine.”
As the priest prayed the words of absolution, Anthony felt a weight he didn’t even know he was carrying lift from his shoulders. He walked out of the confessional not just forgiven, but new. For the first time in twenty years, he was free. He cried like a child. That night, he didn’t go back to his empty house or his old habits. He went to his wife and children, and in his stumbling words, he asked for their forgiveness. The journey of healing was slow, but it had begun. And Anthony knew one thing: God had given him another year to bear fruit. This time, he wouldn’t waste it.
Reflection: The Patience and Urgency of God
In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus tells the parable of a fig tree that has borne no fruit. The owner is ready to cut it down. But the gardener pleads, “Sir, leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.” This story is not about trees. It’s about us. God’s mercy is patient, but His call is urgent. Anthony had wasted twenty years, but God didn’t give up on him. This Lent, God offers you another year to bear fruit.
- What in your life needs repentance?
- Where have you resisted the mercy that God longs to give?
- How can you use this “one more year” to grow in love and faith?
The Devil’s Strategies: Lies That Keep Us From Confession
The enemy is subtle. He convinces us: “You don’t need Confession.” “You’re not as bad as other people.” “It’s too late. God is tired of you.” “You’ll go another time. Later.”
But God’s Word tells us otherwise. He is ready to forgive, waiting to heal, and offering us time – but not forever. The time to come home is now. This Lent, don’t delay.
- Go to Confession.
- Ask for forgiveness.
- Start again.
God is digging around the soil of your heart, watering it with grace. Now is the time to bear fruit.
Let Us Pray
Lord Jesus, You are patient with me, even when I run from You. Give me courage to return to You. Break down my pride. Open my heart to Your mercy, so I may live in Your love and bear fruit for Your Kingdom. Amen.