By Paul Suski –
“If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
One might wonder why the topic of Confession is discussed in January, since the period of Advent came to a close some time ago, and the Lenten time of renewal is still way off in February. When I see the door leading into the Confessional and beautiful festive adornments in the parish church, I associate them with the words spoken by a priest – “You never know if that was the last Christmas of your life”.
Even if you have so many things on your bucket list yet to do, such as taking a trip to Cape Town or visiting the Himeji Castle, there is something else, by far less exciting. A vast majority of Aussies try not to broach the subject of death with close family members, finding it terribly uncomfortable or not wanting to upset their loved ones. Arranging rituals including a funeral or memorial service can fulfill important functions, but definitely the most important thing, before passing away is making a good confession, which is like weeding the garden of the soul.
Also read: Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Unfortunately, many people are seeking different outlets for confession. In the Land Down Under psychologists and therapists are currently stretched more than ever. According to the recent National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, in the reference period 2020-2021, over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years (8.6 million people) went through a mental disorder at some time in their life. Meanwhile, anxiety was the most common group of 12-month mental disorders (3.3 million people). There is no doubt, some percentage of those people might experience the healing power of this sacrament if they only wanted.
At a time when Catholicism in Australia faces crises such as a radical decline in faith and morals, when thousands are abandoning the sacramental life each year; in July 2022, the Plenary Council of Australia asked that Pope Francis approve a wider use of the Third Rite of Reconciliation. It reminds one of the situation sawing off the branch we are sitting on.
It amazes me even more that the Vatican explicitly told the Australian bishops on their ad limina visit to Rome in 1998 that they were not to allow the use of the third rite. The Catechism clearly explains “when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent’s confession” (CCC 1483). Hence, “general absolution” can be applied, for example, in circumstances like war or natural disasters.
By the Scriptures, “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). Thus, no one is “innocent” in the sense of being sinless. We were all born with a sinful nature, inherited from Adam. In theory people should be fully aware of this, yet it appears to be out of touch with the realities of Christian life.
How often, one can encounter an elderly Catholic, who has been living without sacraments all their adult life, still deeply convinced of righteousness, and claiming “I do not need a mercy of God because I have done so much good in my life.” Things seem to get even worse when this sense of false holiness and sinlessness before God accompanies a person who is about to leave this earthly life , then the immediate implication of this attitude may be really tragic.
In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, (Luke 18:9-14) Jesus shows us that pride leads to illusion and self-deception, while humility helps us see ourselves as we really are, when one comes in all truth before God and needs for God’s mercy. “But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’” Acknowledging our unworthiness, inadequacy, and inability to accomplish His will, a fortiori, we should humbly beg for His mercy for our sins, even if searching our souls for any malice we find none.
As we grow in holiness, we actually become more aware of our own sinfulness and the need of God’s grace.
St. Faustina heard after Communion “You see what you are of yourself, but do not be frightened at this. If I were to reveal to you the whole misery that you are, you would die of terror.” (Diary 718).
Only God can draw good out of evil. In denying Jesus, Simon Peter not only betrayed himself but also revealed the weakness of his faith, how easily his love for the Lord was crushed by his own human fears. Without a doubt, it was the nadir of Peter’s life, like touching the absolute bottom. However, it was a blessing in disguise, because learning the truth of himself, Peter possessed a real gem, an acute sense of his own sinfulness, which one can assume, most likely went on till the end of life.
Though it is our duty to mention in confession all our mortal sins, we are also encouraged to confess venial sins. There are numerous benefits of receiving the Sacrament of Penance regularly.
“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” (CCC 1458)
Words stated by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, in Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation and Penance, perfectly fit in this January reflection on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“Though the church knows and teaches that venial sins are forgiven in other ways too-for instance, by acts of sorrow, works of charity, prayer, penitential rites-she does not cease to remind everyone of the special usefulness of the sacramental moment for these sins too. The frequent use of the sacrament-to which some categories of the faithful are in fact held-strengthens the awareness that even minor sins offend God and harm the church, the body of Christ. Its celebration then becomes for the faithful “the occasion and the incentive to conform themselves more closely to Christ and to make themselves more docile to the voice of the Spirit.” Above all it should be emphasized that the grace proper to the sacramental celebration has a great remedial power and helps to remove the very roots of sin.”
Paul Suski is based in Poland. He has a BA in English Language teaching, MA in Political Science, three children and wears a Carmelite scapular.