The Sacrament of Penance (Confession), Reconciliation is one of the most beautiful among the seven sacraments left to us by Jesus – a gesture the Lord practiced frequently when he was among us. He wanted this gesture to continue to benefit us once he returned to the Father {John 20,22}.
For not a small number of Catholics going to confession is unsettling. Facing and admitting our transgressions even within such an absolutely confidential setting of the sacrament can be uncomfortable, even painful. In this case, the priest is always acting in the person of Christ and yet it takes courage and humility to present ourselves before God. In Confession we are saying to Almighty God,
“Please forgive me for intentionally rejecting You and acknowledging your presence in my life … for I belong to you. I am your Son.” {Luke 15, 1-32}
Jesus promised that when we approach God with a truly repentant heart we can always come home. It’s not that God wants us to feel bad, but, like any parent, God wants us to understand we did something wrong and are willing to change course so that we therefrom can image the good God bestowed upon us from the beginning.
Through the parable of the Prodigal Son Jesus shows us that God is a loving, generous Father whose deepest nature is merciful, forgiving love. We are reminded that we can always come home.
If you feel uncomfortable while waiting in the Confession line it’s a good sign. It means your conscience is healthy and working. Remember that God sees us standing in line and He is ready to welcome us back. God isn’t angry or brooding or smug because our poor choices prove God was right. In fact, when we are sincerely repentant, God and all of heaven celebrate because we’re returning to Him. When the priest pronounces the words of absolution, imagine God embracing you, saying,
“My son, your sins are forgiven you … Go, and sin no more.” We receive powerful graces and are asked to make amends where possible. Rejoice in the chance to start again in grace.
Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry