Vacuuming the Pool

We have a small, above ground pool in our backyard. One of my jobs is to take care of putting the chemicals in the pool and vacuuming it when required.

Last Sunday, as I looked at the pool, I noticed the water looked crystal clear. In hopes of not having to take out the vacuum hose, attach it to the sweeping pole, clean the bottom of the pool, back wash the filter, and then return everything in its place, I thought maybe I could skip that job for the day. After all, the water looked so clean. I then told myself that dirt will cause even more dirt to accumulate on the bottom of a pool, even in a small amount. I knew that if this important maintenance was not taken care of soon the clear water would turn cloudy and the desired pool state would be compromised. So, I vacuumed the pool and found that it had truly needed it once I was in the water.

All of this reminded me of how we may be tempted to avoid going to the confessional on a regular basis. We can rationalize away the need for Confession and say, “I haven’t been that sinful too often and what I have done is not really bad. My soul is in a pretty good place.”



Avoiding the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis allows small, sinful habits to compound and keep us from our desired state with God. Regular cleansing is required to enable us to become what God has intended us to be.

Going to Confession does not take long; in fact, it is much shorter than cleaning one’s pool. If we pay so much attention to such things as pools, gardens, and lawns, shouldn’t we do the same with our souls and our relationship with our loving God?

I think we should.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek