Sacrament of Reconciliation

One of my classes this semester is a study and practicum of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It’s an extremely important class not only because we get to practice celebrating the sacrament, but also because we study the history of the sacrament. Without going into a detailed history, what I’ve noticed about the way the Sacrament of Reconciliation has developed over the centuries is how it has continually grown away from focusing on the particular acts that the penitent confesses toward the penitent’s relationship with God. After all, that is what the confession is all about. When we confess our sins, perform the prescribed penance, and receive absolution, we are restoring our relationship with God.

Celebrating this sacrament as a penitent is one of the ways I help myself to live out my vocation. Like anybody else I have shortcomings and stumble on the path to holiness, but this sacrament helps me to find my way again. It’s a way that can re-focus my sights on God and away from the worldly things that so often draw our attention away from God. I find it humbling to know that even though I sin God is always waiting for me to come back to Him. He is always waiting to share His love with us and this is just one way in which He shows us His love.

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy we are all encouraged to avail ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pope Francis has even designated “Missionaries of Mercy” for every diocese across the world who are given the task of preaching God’s mercy and are given the ability to absolve even those gravest of sins which are reserved to the Holy See. In our diocese Monsignor Pokusa has been named a Missionary of Mercy.

As Lent is now upon us, I would encourage everyone, especially men discerning a call to the priesthood, to find a good confessor and to go often. Not only do we restore our relationship with God in this sacrament, but we also receive countless Graces to overcome some of the sins with which we might struggle and also Graces to live out our Christian lives more fully. It’s the perfect way to start off this season where we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s Paschal Mystery.