“Don’t spend your energies on things that generate worry, anxiety and anguish. Only one thing is necessary: Lift up your spirit, and love God.”
—Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
We live in a world that constantly pulls at our attention and burdens our hearts with worry. But Padre Pio’s words offer a gentle redirection: lift up your spirit, and love God. When anxiety threatens to consume us, we’re reminded that the most important thing isn’t fixing every problem—it’s turning our hearts toward the One who holds us.
This same invitation echoes in the sacrament of Confession. Too often, we approach it like a spiritual checklist—naming our sins, receiving forgiveness, and moving on. But Christ wants to do more than wipe the slate clean. He wants to heal us. He wants to reach into the deeper places—our wounds, our habits, our hidden fears—and bring lasting transformation.
Every sacrament is a channel of grace, and grace is meant to sanctify. That means Confession isn’t just about what we’ve done wrong—it’s about who we’re becoming. It’s about letting Jesus reshape our hearts so that we don’t just avoid sin, but grow in holiness.
So the next time you approach the confessional, come not only with your list, but with your longing. Let Christ meet you there—not just to forgive, but to restore. And in the everyday moments that tempt you to worry or despair, remember: lift up your spirit. Love God. He is already loving you.
Smitten With Goodness 
Yes!! Amen! “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
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