At the beginning of the Mass, and just after the greeting, we are called to turn to the Lord and to confess our sins.
So, before anything else, we are called to acknowledge our sinfulness.
That is an important moment for the faith community gathered in worship and prayer.
As we acknowledge and confess our sins, we are also made aware that all are sinners and no one can say that they are not as sinful as others.
So, acknowledgement and confession of sins can be said to be a unifying aspect in that we have sinned just like the rest.
But it is the holiness of God and His mercy and compassion that raises us up to continue to offer worship and prayer with humble and contrite hearts.
In the gospel, Peter acknowledged that he was a sinful man, and that he was not worthy to be in the holy presence of Jesus.
It was Peter’s acknowledgement and confession of his sinfulness that enabled him to respond to the call of Jesus.
If we really want to know what is God’s will for us and what He wants of us, then let us first acknowledge and confess our sins before Him.
In our humility, God will reveal to us what His plans are for us, and we will be willing to accept it.