Confession had me in knots... Reconciliation with Christ has set me free

[Fizendell]

My joy abounds and continues. Yesterday, I met with the Pastor, asked questions about clearing up my past and present and gave a confession for the first time in almost twenty years.

I cannot convey with words how I felt before, during and after.

I can convey however, that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the greatest gifts ever and I am overjoyed that I have received it and may continue to receive it.

It is sad and so very unfortunate that I spent many years believing the Protestants who said it was not needed. That one could simply “clear things up” with God every night. And while this may work for some people, it clearly didn’t work for me all those years as I slipped further and further into sin, thinking that when I said a bunch of things in my head as I fell asleep that I was okay.

Thinking prayers in your head is NOT the same as confessing your sins – out loud – to a priest. OH the tears that flow when you hear your own voice confess to another the things you’ve done. After all those years of thinking, “I’m a good person, I’m fine – I haven’t killed anyone!” How frightening it is to sit and realize that the other 9 Commandments have been broken time and time again!

Along those same lines – saying the rosary in your mind is not the same as praying it out loud.

Praise God for his mercy, His Divine Mercy.

=)
Fiz

…as a prodigal daughter – I never want to leave His side again…

 

[Teresita]

Fizendell:

Along those same lines – saying the rosary in your mind is not the same as praying it out loud.

QUOTE]

I’m thrilled for you! I’d only add a comment on your rosary point: it’s not as good, but it’s still pretty useful. I pray the rosary in the car when alone, and if my kids or husband are there but not wanting to talk, I’ll pray it silently. I don’t think it’s the same distinction as that between private repentance and Confession.

Sue

 

[scylla]

For me it was about 12-15 years since my last confession. I did it a few months ago.

Before confession the thought would just keep coming to mind that I could just skip out of line and do it another time. Especially when the priest ran out of time, I was 2nd to next to confess and he had to conduct Mass. I had to come back and get back in line! It was so hard to keep in line, but it was well worth it.

Congrats.

 

[stbruno]

For the last several years, whenever I go to confession, I am moved to tears of joy. I cannot explain it. I don’t understand why more people do not make this a regular part of their faith experience.

 

[Fizendell]

I agree StBruno - I never understood confession as a child and felt like I always confessed the same thing and didn’t understand completely what was supposed to happen.

But now… wow… what a renewal - incredibly beautiful.

And Teresita - I guess I should have clarified the praying out loud thing - on Monday, I went into church and prayed a Rosary, out loud, for the first time EVER - and I again, cannot explain how incredibly different it was. I have never been one to pray out loud because I never knew what to say or felt like I’d mess it all up. But thankfully, with the Rosary - I do know what to pray and what to meditate upon and the experience was awe-inspiring.

It would be my desire to pray the Rosary that way every time.

Also, last night, I was reading the Catechism (does anyone else realize how awesome it is to have this at our fingertips??) and read the sections on vocal, meditative and contemplative prayer. Wonderful to have that information available.

Thanks for the responses - it’s really something to feel like you’re glowing and completely renewed - you just have to share it with others!

=)
Fiz