People do bad things for complex reasons. But nobody is bad, essentially. Right? Evil is rare.

When I'd be playing the tables at the casino, obviously I dressed and behaved like a layman. I think that was half the addiction. The thrill of becoming somebody else. It feels so good. We're natural performers, in a way. Always acting in a role of one kind or another.

I used to approach the confessional in dread, knowing it was where my deficiency as a priest would be exposed. My contempt for weakness, loathing of failure, unwillingness to grant easy forgiveness. How long since I have heard a real confession? How long since I have made one?

My friend would say contrition is supposed to lead to changed behaviour. And nothing changes without action, sometimes violent action.

The only real act of contrition is a deed that involves some kind of sacrifice.