Humans are prone to sin. The accumulation of sins over the year drives people either to get inundated with evil-doing to the point that they cannot deviate from this course or they feel that they intolerably overburdened with sins and wrongdoings so that they need someone whom they trust to talk to so as to unload their wrongdoing and feel relieved.
One of the great, most unique, and beautiful aspects of Catholicism is the sacraments that handles this issue and brings forth great relief, namely the Sacrament of Confession. It is the one that Lord Jesus Christ established so that all sinners can obtain forgiveness for their sins and reconcile with the Almighty God. This sacrament washes sinners clean and renews their firm relationship with Lord Jesus.
This sacrament is mentioned in Holy Bible, “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:21-23)
The Holy Bible explicitly stresses the importance of confession. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)
BENEFITS OF THE SCARAMENT OF CONFESSION
The Sacrament of Confession helps restore honesty and integrity; helps overcome vice, provides relief from unproductive guilt; as well as provides spiritual guidance and inner peace through an encounter with God.
Further to the benefits of confession:
A. The conscience is purified. “A good conscience is the palace of Christ; the temple of the Holy Ghost; the paradise of delight; the standing Sabbath of the saints.” --St. Augustine
B. Grace is increased.“Courage! God asks of us only our good will. His grace does the rest.”--St. Theophane Venard
C. Will is strengthened. “Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone.”--Pope Francis
D. Self-knowledge is increased. “Self knowledge puts us on our knees, and it is very necessary for love. For knowledge of God gives love, and knowledge of self gives humility.” -St. Teresa of Calcutta
E. More rapid growth in virtue takes place.“Ask Jesus to make you a saint. After all, only He can do that.” -- St. Dominic
F. Greater self-control is achieved in daily living “Let us clothe ourselves with concord and humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all whispering and evil-speaking.” – Clement of Rome
CONFESSION IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH, RESTORES STABILITY
Psychologists admit that any type of open and truthful disclosure reduces stress and helps individuals come to terms with their behavior.
It is not coincidental that some of the most powerful people or institutions in many cultures around the world encourage people to confess their transgressions which improves their mental and physical well-being.
There is no doubt that confessing transgressions purifies the body and soul and puts sinners on the right track to start a new life full with Lord Jesus’ care and blessings.
WHY DO CATHOLICS CONFESS THEIR SINS TO A PRIEST?
Lord Jesus Christ gave the Apostles the power to forgive or to retain sins. The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another. It also tells us that God gave these holy priests the authority on Earth to forgive sins. Jesus sends out His disciples with the authority on Earth to forgive sins. When Catholics confess their sins to a priest, they are simply following the plan laid down by Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He forgives sins through the priest. It is God’s power exercised through the ministry of the blessed priest.
FOLLOWING IS THE ACT OF CONTRITION:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all I have offended you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
