Day: September 12, 2022

A General Confession is a powerful help to a change of life. When the tempest is violent the burden of the vessel is diminished, and each person on board throws his goods into the sea in order to save the ship and save his life. O folly of sinners, who, in the midst of so great dangers of eternal perdition, instead of diminishing the burden of the vessel — that is, instead of unburdening the soul of her sins — load her with a greater weight. Instead of flying from the dangers of sin, they fearlessly continue to put themselves voluntarily into dangerous occasions; and, instead of having recourse to God’s mercy for the pardon of their offences, they offend Him still more, and compel Him to abandon them.

“No security is too great where Eternity is at stake,” says St. Bernard. We should, therefore, resolve: “I will save my soul, cost what it may!” Perish all things else — property, friends, even life itself, if I can but only save my soul!