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2026-07-28 - Prayer that begins with confession Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

28th of July 2026
Tuesday in the seventeenth Week of the Ordinary Time, Year II
Jer 14:17-22
Mt 13,36-43
 
Shortly after my ordination, an elderly woman came to me for confession. I expected her to begin by saying, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." Instead, she spent several minutes explaining how a neighbour had insulted her, cheated her, and spread false stories about her. She then proudly told me how she had "dealt with" the woman so she would never try such a thing again.
When she finished, I gently asked, "Mama, everything you have said tells me what the other woman did. But what did you do that you have come to confess?" She paused, smiled, and said, "Father, I suppose I have been confessing her sins instead of mine."
 
One of the most striking features in the *First Reading* of today was the way Jeremiah prayed. He did not begin by asking God to remove the drought or solve the nation's problems. Instead, he begn with confession: "We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you" (Jer. 14:20).
 
This is a pattern we often overlook. Many of our prayers begin with either self justification or making a list of requests: "Lord, bless me. Heal me. Give me success. Solve my problems." While there is nothing wrong with presenting our needs to God, Jeremiah reminds us that genuine prayer begins with an honest examination of our hearts. Before asking God to change our circumstances, we should ask Him to change us.
 
Confession is not about informing God of our sins; He already knows them. It is about humbly admitting our faults, taking responsibility, and opening ourselves to His mercy. As long as we keep blaming others or justifying our actions, true healing cannot begin. God forgives those who acknowledge their need for forgiveness.
 
This lesson applies not only to individuals but also to families, communities, and nations. We often complain about corruption, dishonesty, violence, or injustice in society, yet we rarely ask how we may be contributing to these problems. National renewal begins with personal conversion. Every lasting transformation starts when people are willing to say, "Lord, I have sinned."
 
The Gospel also invites us to self-examination. Jesus speaks about the wheat and the weeds growing together until the harvest. Before pointing out the "weeds" in other people's lives, we should first ask whether there are weeds growing in our own hearts, pride, envy, resentment, greed, dishonesty, laziness, or unforgiveness. The greatest danger is not the sins we recognise but the sins we refuse to admit.
 
The Sacrament of Reconciliation beautifully expresses this truth. Before we receive absolution, we first confess our sins with humility. God never rejects a repentant heart. Every sincere confession becomes the beginning of a new life.
 
Therefore, let us learn from Jeremiah. Let our prayers begin not with excuses or accusations, but with humble confession. A heart that admits its sins is a heart that is ready to receive God's mercy, healing, and grace. As Scripture reminds us, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Ps. 51:17).
 
God bless you



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LITURGICAL CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEVEN DAYS PRAYERS

Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15

From The Chancery   Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days.   Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation.   Rev Henry Maduka

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logoThe Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.

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