I came to this old church downtown for a little meditative solitude. I knelt at the altar briefly, did the sign of the cross,then sat in a pew upfront. I looked around and suddenly saw a familiar sight: my own image as a high school graduate.

My eyes followed the pictures in stained glass. It was like having my life flash before my eyes. I saw more scenes from my life, from those revealing relationships to acts of charity and compassion.

Then I saw the more deplorable actions and choices I’d made. I murmured my contrition, feeling tears roll down my cheeks.

A priest walked in and I went in the confession booth. The priest kindly offered absolution as I poured out my heart.