Gabriel felt like this soul was slipping out of his hands. There were many things he wanted to say, and yet each might either alienate the penitent or deny the severity of his sins. This man needed an entire change of mindset. He looked at the situation through worldly eyes. But how could he educate and guide a person to a religious life in a single confession? Already, the penitent seemed to question his coming here.

"Forgiveness is not the same as doing away with the consequences of an action. And confession and absolution are means to set things right with God. It doesn't set things right between you and your fellow man. But you cannot come here and ask for God's forgiveness if you have no intention to set things right with your neighbour. I cannot force you to turn yourself in or reveal your sins to others in any other way. I'm just asking: If you truly are sorry for your sins, what consequences does it have?"