Psalm 51:6: “Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight. That you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn.”

(Via USCCB.)

So begins verse 6 of the Miserere.

Sin harms and ruptures one’s relationship with God. If it is a mortal sin, it kills it. The sin may involve others, but the thing to remember is the importance of repairing the relationship with God. The penitent’s admission of guilt and recognition of it before God initiates the process of repair. In reconciliation, you recognize God’s perfect justice.

If one’s conscience is well formed and you engage in contemplative introspection, you see the root causes of your sinning. As such, you know yourself better. You see why you sin and work towards amending your life. As God brings good out of evil, this knowledge strengthens you and your spiritual progress.

How is your relationship with God? Does it need amends?

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