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The powerful parable of the Prodigal Son offers us a profound invitation to examine the quality of our repentance this Lent. As we reflect on this wayward son who squandered his inheritance in "riotous living" only to return humbled and broken, we're challenged to consider: Do our confessions truly lead to conversion?

St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests who spent up to 18 hours daily hearing confessions, offers us this sobering insight: "There are many who go to confession and few who convert." Even in 19th century France, with its deeply Catholic culture, the Curé of Ars recognized that many approached the sacrament without true contrition. How much more relevant is this warning today? We can easily fall into treating confession as having a "revolving door," presuming on God's mercy while secretly planning to return to the same sins. True repentance requires not just acknowledgment of sin but a firm resolution to amend our lives.

Yet there's profound hope in this message too. St. John Vianney also reminds us that "God forgives a repentant sinner faster than a mother snatches her child from the fire." When our contrition is genuine, God's forgiveness is immediate and complete. This Lent presents the perfect opportunity to deepen our approach to confession and extend our spiritual focus outward by praying for someone who needs to experience reconciliation with God. Prayer and fasting often accomplish what our best arguments cannot. Who might return to God's embrace through your dedicated prayer this Lenten season?

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