Q Why should I go to Confession?
A Confession is not just for mortal sins. Let’s face it; a venial sin is still a sin, a sin against God, Mary and all the saints and angels. They endanger our soul because they can lead to more serious sins. Confession with a priest can be one way to help prevent venial sins from developing into a pattern that could lead to mortal sins.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also recommends confessing venial sins. “… 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” (CCC1458).
Additionally, the Catholic Church has five precepts which we are bound to follow. The second of these precepts is “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” Celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation ensures our preparation for the Eucharist and continues baptism’s work on conversion and forgiveness.
This sacrament also gives us grace, as St. John Paul II once stated: “It would, therefore, be foolish, as well as presumptuous, to wish arbitrarily to disregard the means of grace and salvation which the Lord has provided and, in the specific case, to claim to receive forgiveness while doing without the sacrament which was instituted by Christ precisely for forgiveness.”
There are many other spiritual benefits of confession:
Reconciliation with God – Sin is an offense against God; it weakens our connection with him. Confession restores or strengthens our intimate relationship with God.
Reconciliation with the church – Sin damages our relationship with others; the church suffers from the sin of one of her members. Confession repairs that relationship with others.
Decrease of time in purgatory – Before we gain heaven, our soul must be purified of all attachments to sin. Our soul may be purified either here on earth or in purgatory. The penance assigned by the priest during confession can reduce our time in purgatory.
Peace and serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation – Confession can bring about a true “spiritual resurrection” that can remove doubts and anxiety and help us feel connected to God.
Helps us lead a better life – By examining our conscience before confession and with the help of the priest, we can pinpoint weak and sinful tendencies and ways to combat these tendencies
Jesus gave us this sacrament because we need it. He did not give us this sacrament to burden us but to unburden us of our sins – all sins, not just mortal sins.
So, make this one of your Lenten resolutions. Go to confession – get the graces available and the help you need.
Q What should I do for Lent?
A Besides the mandatory fast and abstinence from meat on required days, there are many other ways to celebrate Lent. Here are a few:
Pray the rosary – The devil hates the rosary. Pope Adrian VI said the rosary is the “scourge of the devil.” St. Padre Pio said “the rosary is the weapon.” The rosary will help us battle those temptations that Satan dangles in front of us. It also brings us closer to Jesus. St. Louis de Montfront wrote: “The rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the heart of Jesus, our redeemer, who so loves his mother.”
Pray a special prayer to St. Joseph – Honor your spiritual father during this year that has been dedicated to him.
Attend a daily Mass – Check your local bulletin for Mass times during Lent and The Catholic Commentator annual Mass Schedule.
Fast from something other than food, candy or drink.
Give up some of your time and give it back to God. Go to an adoration chapel or visit a church during the day. God is waiting for you.
He wants to see you.
– Give up Facebook, Twitter, social media. It’s a huge time guzzler.
– Give up being late, particularly for Mass.
– Give up complaining. Does it really help?
– Give up your favorite radio station. Switch to 1380 AM or 105.9 FM (Catholic Community Radio) which has wonderful Catholic programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Make prayer and fasting part of your Lenten journey but don’t stop there. Make prayer and fasting part of your everyday life, so that one day you will hear God say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Deacon Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at ghooper@diobr.org.