anything I hear. How much better, I have learned, to invite the penitent to take the first step and give me some direction on what I might talk about. I can do this by discovering which of my penitent’s sins weighs on him the most. Asking the question, and then gently and appropriately pursuing the response offered, usually provides abundant “matter” with which to deal. More important, my question and his response will offer me a better perspective as to where this particular penitent is coming from.