A Sacred Trust

A Sacred Trust An old cleric sits in his rocking chair He is on the porch of a lakeside cabin He is remembering with tears in his eyes A boy many years ago making his confession * After pushing the mauve curtain to the side The boy enters closes the curtain behind him Kneels on the step and faces the latticed opening The boy will speak through the latticed opening To a priest the boy can not see The boy makes the Sign of the Cross Listens to the Priest say “May God who has enlightened every heart help you to know your sins and trust in His mercy.” * The boy says “Amen Bless me Father for I have sinned It has been one week since my last confession.” The boy pauses “Go ahead Davy We are listening.” “Yes Father Father I disobeyed I am so sorry I'm a good boy Father You know I go to Mass every Sunday I am one of your altar boys You told me I'm a good altar boy You told me my Mom and Dad are very proud I told you my parents and siblings Say the Rosary every night I told you before I go to bed I look at Jesus on the Cross I think about Jesus feeling hurt and sometimes I cry In the morning I ask Jesus to forgive me For being a crybaby I go to Confession every Saturday You hear my confession like you are today Sometimes I'm not sure I committed a sin I still go to Confession I like you I talk to you Father I am sorry I ran out of your office I got scared I heard you say come back I couldn't come back I ask to be forgiven Please ask Jesus to forgive me I will say The Act Of Contrition Oh my God I am heartily sorry for having offended you And I detest all my sins Because they offend You my God Who are all Good and a Loving God I firmly resolve with the help of Your Grace To sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin Amen Father I am ready to hear my penance Father? Father?” *