Meditations & FAQ | Meditations Archive
Why is regular confession necessary?
Catechism Meditation:
Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful. ―No. 1458
REFLECTION: A common reason many Catholics give for not going to confession is, “My sins aren’t that big. I haven’t stolen anything or killed anyone.” One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to make us downplay the very thing we need most to be at spiritual peace. It’s not so much that we “have” to go to confession, but that we sometimes need to—and responding to our deepest needs can be an important sign of holiness and spiritual maturity. Going to Confession not only when we commit serious sins, but even when we commit smaller, venial sins on a regular basis, is good for the soul, and rejoices the Heart of our Savior.
Several reasons why people hesitate to approach the Sacrament of Confession. Here are the most common:
- Fear: Though the vast majority of priests are kind and understanding confessors, many potential penitents fear being judged or scolded.
- Pride: Confessing sins means confronting that we’ve genuinely done wrong and need God’s help to heal. Our personal pride rebels against this.
- Shame: Though a well-ordered guilt should impel us to the Sacrament of Confession, shame can keep us away because of the realization that we have to admit our sins to another—and speaking our sins out loud feels unbearable.
- Ignorance: This is twofold. First, we can be ignorant of the reality of sin in our lives and its devastating consequences if it goes unchecked. Second, we can be ignorant of the necessity of sacramental Confession for the forgiveness of mortal sins.
- Unavailability: Too often there simply aren’t enough times offered for Confession at local parishes, or there is no option for anonymity, which is the right of every penitent according to the Church’s discipline of this sacrament.
A different kind of objection to the sacrament is the claim that we can and should go “straight to God” with our sins to have them forgiven. Well, you can do that for venial sins, but mortal sins require the Sacrament of Confession. Furthermore, did we go “straight to God” for our Baptism? Did we go “straight to God” for our Confirmation? Matrimony? The Anointing of the Sick or the other sacraments?
Source: CatholicExchange.com
PRAYER. Lord, by Your Spirit awaken in Your Church a deep hunger for the sacramental graces of Confession.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“A Catholic may sin and sin as badly as anyone else, but no genuine Catholic ever denies he is a sinner. A Catholic wants his sins forgiven – not excused or sublimated.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen