A Time for Healing
CONFESSION…When you hear that word, what comes to mind? For most of us, it has a negative connotation. Many people think of things like fear, punishment, and dread. But that’s not what Jesus was thinking when he established this sacrament through his church.
Consider when Jesus called Matthew to be one of his apostles. Matthew was a tax collector. That was one of the worst things you could be back then. Essentially, tax collectors were Jewish but collaborating with the enemy, the Romans. They were considered traitors. There are few things that are worse than being a traitor to your own people, and many considered it unforgivable. Yet, Jesus still called Matthew. Then Jesus had dinner with these “tax collectors and sinners.” Some of those “sinners” that he ate with were prostitutes. Basically, Jesus was eating with the most hated people in his society. Some of the Pharisees confronted him about this and asked him why he was doing this. Jesus answered them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do…I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mt 9:12-13)
If you have a negative view of Confession, this single statement should completely change your view on it. Jesus is telling us that he is the physician for our souls. A physician is not there to punish. A physician is there to heal. And that is exactly what this sacrament does. Instead of fear, dread, and punishment, we should associate Confession with healing, grace, and mercy.
Confession is difficult because it takes courage to say our sins out loud. There is a huge degree of vulnerability there. It is sort of like going into the doctor’s office and being told to “gown up”. Taking our clothes off and having strangers examine us is the ultimate in physical vulnerability. Similarly, Confession is the ultimate in spiritual vulnerability. But in both situations, it is required to begin the process of healing.
Some people argue that Confession is not necessary because they just go straight to Jesus. I tried this for a while but it always fell short for me. There are numerous reasons why.
First, there is something in us that needs to say our sins out loud. In 12 step programs such as Alcoholics’ Anonymous, step number 5 is: “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” When we tell another human being our sins, they are no longer hidden. It brings light into the darkness. When sins stay hidden, they fester. Only by being brought into the light do they begin to heal.
Second, we need the help of another person because our perception of sin can sometimes be skewed. There are times when we may think that what we are doing is wrong, but it really isn’t. Other times, we may be doing something wrong but not aware of it. Talking to someone who is skilled in these matters helps us sort these things out. They can offer us sorely needed advice that we may not get simply through prayer.
Third, it keeps us accountable. I’ve found that just going to Jesus for forgiveness is pretty darn easy because no one else has to know about my mistakes. But when I have to actually go to someone and say them out loud, that is pretty hard. Sometimes, it’s so hard that just the thought of having to do that again makes me want to avoid whatever brought me there in the first place. It can be a huge step to overcoming sin and growing in the ability to love.
Fourth, the sacrament gives us a tangible experience of God’s forgiveness. In Confession, the priest is acting “in persona Christi” or “in the person of Christ” to bring Jesus’ forgiveness to us. After you confess your sins and say your act of contrition, the priest raises his hands over you and says the most merciful words you’ll ever hear, “Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and PEACE, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” We receive not only forgiveness at this moment but a huge infusion of God’s grace to strengthen us in our resolve.
Jesus tells us through his Church that we need to go to Confession at least once a year. But why would you only want to receive this gift once a year or once every 10 years or 30 years or never? Going once a month seems like a doable goal for most people. When I have done this, it has been a great blessing in my life. It has brought me God’s peace and grace in a most powerful way. Please, please, please take advantage of this opportunity and see how it changes your life. Don’t let fear of this healing sacrament stand in your way. Take a chance, take a leap of faith, take one step further.
Resource: Here’s a quick link on how to go to Confession.