The Bench

Father Will Jeffery

A warm glow of candles enveloped the otherwise dark room. The smell of incense heightened the senses. Cecilia crossed several wooden pews, eyes fixed on the Body of Christ magnificently gracing the altar. Kneeling down on the cold hard floor, she crossed herself with a deep bow before sliding into the nearest pew. At last, peace. Cecilia took a deep relaxing breath.

Holy spirit, guide my thoughts. Was the prayer that began her holy hour. She knew God was always trying to speak to her, this was the best way that she could come up with to listen.

Cecilia pulled a rosary out of her bag and began reciting Hail Marys. She tended to use the Rosary as a way to keep focus on religious matters instead of dwelling on homework and other useless things. It was probably better to think about the mysteries of the Rosary, but for now, this seemed to make more of a difference for her.

She began to pick apart her day and think about all of the little times she got frustrated with people. This was happening a lot more often these days.

Confession. She needed confession.

Cecilia put her rosary in her pocket, mentally noting which decade she left off on. She made her way to the center of the aisle and made another respectful bow, then she turned and started towards the confessional line. After doing an examination of conscious and waiting for the people in front of her, she slipped into the confessional as quietly as possible. When she was younger she always avoided the face to face confessional, but now she sat down without hesitation. Father Jeffrey greeted her with a welcoming smile as she began her confession.

"Father, it's been difficult to keep my mind from, um, judging people, I guess. I know it's been a problem for me, but I think it's been getting a bit worse lately. It seems like I have a problem with everyone I pass." She shifted in her seat. "I've been trying to give it to God like you said, but it just seems like I'm saying that at least 20 times a day now." She sighed and glanced up at the priest. His calm, thoughtful expression gave her courage to go on.

"You know I broke up with a guy recently. I, um, I saw him in the hall today," I swallowed, "It was hard. I guess it's been difficult to forgive him and stuff."

"Mmm." Father Jeffery replied nodding his head.

"I don't know. I just feel..." She trailed off. "Well, that's about all this time."

"It seems like it's been difficult for you to love people Cecilia." Father started.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Okay, well, remember that you are loved no matter what. And that goes for everyone else too. No matter what they've done in their lives." He said.

Cecilia nodded.

"For your penance, I'd like you to say three Hail Marys, and for you to volunteer at a homeless shelter soon."

"A homeless shelter?" She responded a little surprised.

"Yes." He chuckled. "And while you're there, I want you to look at them as human beings, just like you and me. I want you to realize that they each have their own set of problems that put them in the situation they're in currently. And afterwards, let's set up a meeting to discuss what you've learned. Sound good?"

Father Will Jeffrey always had a way of making things interesting.

"Okay." She said.

Father smiled, "Now say an act of contrition, and I will absolve you from your sins."