Tears of Contrition

There was once a woman whose life was a scandal to all who knew her. One day, as she was passing through a church. she saw a large multitude of people entering with great haste as if something of unusual importance was about to take place.

Filled with curiosity, she joined the crowd, which at every moment became greater.  Soon, she found herself surrounded on all sides, so that, even if she had so desired, it would have been impossible for her to retrace her steps.

Then a priest appeared and started to preach. The subject of the sermon he preached was upon the goodness of God towards sinners, and he frequently repeated these words: "My brethren, every sin can be forgiven; God will forgive every sin if only the sinner be truly sorry."

The woman listened with great attention to every word of the sermon, and especially to those she heard him so often repeat. As soon as the sermon was ended she forced her way through the crowd and drew near to the preacher.

She touched his sleeve with her hand, and asked him: "Is it quite true, Father, that God will forgive every sin?" "Nothing is more certain, my child." he answered, "if only the sinner be truly sorry." "But there are many kinds of sinners; some have done less than others, and some are exceedingly wicked; does God pardon all without distinction?" "Most certainly," replied the Father. "Provided they all detest their sins God will forgive them all without any distinction." "Would He forgive even me? - I having during fifteen years lived a sinful life, committing every day enormous crimes." "Without doubt, my child, God will forgive you if you only repent and be resolved for the future never to sin again." "If your words are true, Father, be pleased to hear my confession. Appoint any hour which will be most suitable to you, and I will not fail to come." "I can hear your confession right now. Come at once" -and he pointed out to her where his Confessional was and told her he would be with her in a few moments.

The poor sinner knelt down and poured forth in his ears all the abominations of these many years. Before leaving the Confessional she said to him: "Father, could you conduct me to some place of safety near at hand where I might spend the night, as I fear that if I returned to my own house at this hour I might be in danger of relapsing into sin by meeting my former companions in evil?" The Father answered that it would be difficult for him to do this at that hour, and encouraged her to return home under the protection of God.

Still she was afraid to do this, and preferred to remain all night in the church, that she might the more surely escape all danger.

Early next morning, when the doors of the church were opened, they found her lying lifeless on the ground at the foot of the altar of Our Lady, with her face upon the floor, which was wet with the tears she had shed. She had wept so much and so bitterly for her sins that her heartfelt sorrow had deprived her of life.

                                                                    Father Dominique Boulet
                                                                

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