Reconciliation 101: The Basics

Why do you Catholic go to Confession anyways? 

Reconciliation, Penance, or Confession is the Catholic sacrament of forgiveness and absolution of sins. It is an experience of God's mercy, that frees us from our sins and also encourages us to forgive and free others for their transgressions against us. Josh's understanding of Reconciliation pre-me was that Catholic could do whatever they wanted, tell the priest, and it was all fine and dandy, we were"forgiven". I think those misconceptions are key to understanding that actual basics of this sacrament.

Firstly, we cannot do whatever we want. Just like any Child of God, we have a duty and an obligation to try and do better. The end of the sacrament concludes with "Go, and sin no more," just as Jesus spoke with those He saved, like the adulterous woman or the blind man. Essentially, you have been forgiven, and do your best to not need to be forgiven again.

Secondly, we don't just go tell a priest. The sacrament of confession is one part therapy and two parts grace. The priest listens, and if he wants, can reach out and counsel the confessor. The priest can encourage them to recognize a pattern in their sins-maybe all of their sins are selfish or maybe all of their sins center around a particular person or environment-trying to help the confessor to do better next time. Oftentimes, our sins are habits, like gossip or lying, that we need practice and help overcoming. And that is the whole purpose of the priest. He is God's representative in that moment, trying to help guide and teach us to do better.

Finally, we are not automatically forgiven. The priest's absolution means nothing without a contrite heart. This is because it is not the priest doing the forgiving, but God. Even if the priest says the words, they aren't magic, they aren't automatic; only a contrite confession will heal the break between God and God's children. You have to be truly sorry for your signs, and you have to really mean your intention to try and do better. The acknowledgement that you screwed up isn't enough, God wants and demands a sincere apology. Remember the Jewish tradition of Sacrifice? They knew that God demanded repentance and they displayed this through sacrifice. Luckily, we don't have to sacrifice anything, just admit what we have done wrong and truly be sorry. Besides, it isn't like we do nothing to show our sorrow and contriteness, we are given a penance by the priest. Anywhere from prayers to baking your mother a pie, in an effort to make amends.


Tota tua,

P.S. Don't remember about the Jewish sacrifice tradition- check this out: http://catholiccompass.blogspot.com/2016/04/but-why-sacrifice.html