His knees ached from the Hail Marys that he had given, but that wasn’t what was really troubling him.  He was disappointed.  He thought that he would have some relief by know, but the burden still weighed on him heavily.  His mind though back to the priest’s words and he frowned.

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.  It has been one year and four months since my last confession.  I admit that I have a lot to confess, but more than anything I… I have been struggling with impure thoughts.”

“It’s allright my son.  God is benevolent, he will absolve you of your sins.”

“Father, I want to confess.  I have been having improper feelings towards another m-man.  I-I don’t want to feel this way, I swear it!”

There was a moment of brief silence before the priest responded.

“You’ve done well to confess, my son.  Such a sin can weigh heavily on the soul.  Pray and give Penance.  The Lord will forgive and soothe.”

“Yes, Father.  I am sorry for these and all the sins of my past life.”

He scoffed, prayer had done very little to comfort him.  In fact, he felt more aggravated than ever.  He wondered idly if God wanted to punish him.  Perhaps his turmoil was proof that his soul could not be saved.

Deep down, he knew that confess