We are told repeatedly in Scripture to repent. This requires that we feel contrition for our sins and ask the Lord to forgive us with the firm intention of not sinning again. Contrition comes from a Latin term meaning “smashed to pieces.” Therefore, a heart hardened by sin must be smashed to pieces so that it can be made soft and receptive to God’s grace. While we might use the term brokenhearted when we are struck by a devastating tragedy, we should also use it when we contemplate our sins before God.

Many enter the rooms of recovery having “smashed to pieces” everything that was good and decent in their lives: relationships with family and friends, successful careers, a relationship with God. And yet, as we work our recovery we develop a confidence that God will help us put things back together, sometimes in obvious ways, and other times in ways that we won’t fully understand until after this life. When we repent, take responsibility for our wrongdoings, and faithfully work the steps, God heals our broken hearts—He heals our broken lives. He performs miracles within us, allowing us to become happy, joyous, and free in the realization that He is recovering us. What an amazing gift!

Reflection Questions

• Ask in prayer for our Sorrowful Mother to help you feel true sorrow for your sins. What sins are you holding onto that you can repent of today? 
• What tools from recovery or the Church can you implement today to help you keep from committing the same sins?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8
Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24

Reflection by Marcia G.