Like the Falling Rain, Cleanse Me Lord

Standing on my front porch, I watch the morning rain fall from the sky.

It trickles through the nearby trees, cleansing the dirt from the leaves, as it makes its way to the thirsty ground below.

The air is chilly, but the smell of the wet soil is so fresh.
I begin to think of my soul, and realize that it has been a while since I have made a good confession.


I look at my watch and see that I have time to get to morning mass.
Scurrying upstairs to put on shoes and grab my keys, off I go.

The church is dimly lit, but filled with the warmth of God’s loving presence.


Many people have made their way to church this particular morning, all wanting to spend a little time with the Lord before they start their day.

In the first reading, the Lord tells Samuel, “Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.”

These words touch me deeply and I repeat them to myself as I walk up to receive Him in the Eucharist.

Mass has ended and I noticed an elderly priest sitting in the very last pew. Walking over to him, I ask him if he would hear my confession, he says “Of course”.

I’ve never been very good at face to face confession, maybe because I come from the era of behind the screen and that is where my comfort is, but the priest is so welcoming that I am instantly at ease. When I finish he says those wonderful words, “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”


I feel so joyous. I hug him and almost dance out the door.

Driving home, I once again think about those leaves that have been washed with the rain and I thank God for washing me too!


DearLord,

I have so far to go, but with the help of the sacraments you offer, may I learn to see others as You see them and not by appearance. Open the door to my heart that I might look outside with eyes of love.

Amen