from the prayer journal of fr. jack tolley

This is from my 2006 Prayer Journal.  I think you will enjoy it.
Blessings and love, Fr. Jack.

"Preparing the Heart."
"As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
(Psalm 103:12) 

Confession does for the soul what preparing the land does for the field. Before the farmer sows the seed he works the acreage, removing rocks and pulling stumps. He knows seed grows better if the land is prepared.
Confession is the act of inviting God to walk the acreage of our hearts.
"There is a rock of greed over here Father, I can't budge it. And that tree of guilt near the fence? It's roots are long and deep. And may I show you some dry soil, too crusty for seed?"
God's seeds grow better if the soil of the heart is cleared.
And so the Father and the Son walk the field together, digging and pulling, preparing the heart for fruit.
Confession invites the Father to work the soil of the soul.
(Max Lucado's book of inspirational thoughts titled, "Grace.")