The Confessional: Don’t be Afraid!

Confession is a wonderful and joyful sacrament. Yet, I think there is a lot of fear and scrupulosity around it. I’m musing on it today because Advent is just around the corner. Advent is a good time to approach God in penance, turn towards love, and to prepare to meet Christ in the Christmas season. During Advent, we reflect on Christ’s birth, but also his second coming. We want to be ready for him.

Confession is liberating; the burden of sin is taken off our shoulders. It’s not bad to be nervous before going to Confession; in fact, I think it is a sign of authentic contrition. After an honest confession and after absolution is given, sin is 100% washed away. There is no need to question whether or not God has forgiven. Confession is supposed to bring joy and healing. Worry and anxiety about the past is not from God; he desires that we live in peace. He wants us to live in the present, and not dwell on past sins.

Another thing: I think some Catholics fear being judged by the priest. However, although I obviously can’t speak on their behalf, I think that priests are in tune with the weaknesses of humankind. I have heard it said that “priests have heard it all” in the confessional. Furthermore, I imagine that since priests hear a lot of confessions, they don’t remember them.

Now, here is a word about fear. In general, fear keeps us from living freely. If a sin is withheld in the confessional out of fear, it maintains power. But exposing our sins in Confession liberates us; sin no longer holds power.

I know some people who have had bad experiences in the confessional, which is very unfortunate. Priests are not perfect. It is important to remember that their main role in Confession is to 1) determine whether someone is truly sorry for their sins and resolves not to sin again and 2) to give absolution. What I find to be consoling in these situations is that what really matters is one’s contrition, their resolve to sin no more, and that they receive absolution.

To end, here is a quote from St. Faustina’s Diary: “When you go to confession, to this fountain of mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul” (Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul, 1602).

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!