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Message The Israelites’ victory at Jericho was sensational! They captured the entire city without losing a single person. And they won this victory simply by listening to God and doing what he told them. It is one of the Bible’s most dramatic examples of the way God calls us to go out in confidence and take hold of the inheri-tance he has given to us.Just before he sent Joshua and the Israelites into the Promised Land, God commanded them to be strong and brave (Joshua 1:6). He wanted them to know that if they wished to receive their inheritance, they had to cooperate with him.In a similar way, God calls each of us to be strong and courageous so that we can expe-rience the freedom that Jesus won for us on the cross. He has already defeated sin, and now he calls us to stand firm in faith. And he promises that as we do, all the grace of our redemption will flow into our hearts like a rushing river.This is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is so important. Whenever we turn to God and confess our sins, he washes us clean and empowers us to move forward into the “Promised Land.” The examination of conscience on the back two pages of this cover is not exhaustive. It is meant to supplement the one found on page 20 in the magazine. It will help you identify those areas in your life where you may have put aside the call to be strong in the Lord. Prayerfully consider the questions and ask the Holy Spirit to point out where you need repentance. Know that God loves to forgive. He will empower you to take hold of all his promises.Remember: the mighty walls of Jericho fell down, and so can the obstacles that stand in the way of what God wants us to be. If something in your life seems impossible, that’s all the more reason to turn to God, seek his grace, and obey his word. Not every battle will be easy, but with God all things are possible! Let’s take the story of Jericho to heart. Let’s ask God to give us all a “Jericho experience” before this Easter comes.Through the Sacrament of ReconciliationWe Can Experience Victories as Dramatic as JerichoAm I experiencing victories over the areas in my life that are not Christ-like?Am I living up to the potential that I have in Christ?It will help you identify those areas in your life where you may have put aside the call to be strong in the Lord. Prayerfully consider the questions and ask the Holy Spirit to point out where you need repentance. Know that God loves to forgive. He will empower you to take hold of all his promises.Do I sometimes feel powerless, as if I can’t overcome even the smallest of temptations?Photo CNS