Reflexions on Penance

[drafdog]

Apparently some people have difficulty with the sacrament of penance. One frequently encounters objections from Protestants who do not understand why they need to tell another human being how they have sinned when they can pray to God directly asking for forgiveness. And we all suffer from a general reluctance to name our own pet sins. Some of us are so shamed that we cannot even bring ourselves to tell the priest in the privacy of the confessional what we have done.
Jesus thought that it was important to have someone to talk to about our sins or he would not have given the apostles the mandate to forgive in his name. Yes, I admit that this is difficult. Why is it so difficult for us?
We need this sacrament as an exercise in humility. We need to break down the wall of self-satisfaction that surrounds us in order to avail ourselves of the graces of God. Going into the closet to pray for forgiveness is too easy. It allows us to maintain the illusion before others that we are good people. Today’s gospel is a case in point. (I’m certain that a lot of us heard homilies today on the sin of pride.) It is impossible to hear the still small voice of God while we’re muttering to ourselves, “I’m okay. Nothing wrong with me!” We pray that God’s kingdom come through the accomplishment of his will, but if we aren’t hearing his word, we won’t become part of that fulfillment, a part of that kingdom.
How do we overcome our squeamishness? One solution for the faint of spirit might be to tell the confessor that you are so ashamed that you can’t bear to mention your sin against the ___ commandment, and then ask for his help. The priest can ease the penitent through his confession and finally absolve the sinner. The prophet Joel admonishes Israel to return to the Lord and “rend your hearts, not your garments… the Lord is gracious and merciful…” So should we approach the sacrament. A proud heart is hard and will not be rent. We must soften ourselves and be broken to receive his graces.
Another solution might be to repair to the other side of the diocese to a parish where we aren’t known by the priests or the community at large. But again this is allows us to maintain a mask of respectability that we do not deserve. Far better to learn to weep and wail at our sinfulness and confess honestly before God and man. The graces of the sacrament are great, the true balm of Gilead.

Reb Levi

 

[JRTJ]

Just to add to your exceptional reflection:

In Christian denominations where the Sacrament is not practised, I also think people do, as a result of this ‘void of grace’, tend to sin more. 2 reasons for this:

1. The person is denied the graces that come from Confession, and which are very tangible to people who have made use of the Sacrament. The more one confesses, the less one sins. It is well known among the Catholic community as I’m sure you’re aware.
2. The Sacrament discourages people from commiting sins. In fact, we all know how painful the prospect of traveling to our Church and telling the priest about these shameful acts we commit. It is humiliating. I just believe that Protestants, given their decision to ‘confess to God alone’ (ie no Confession) will have a harder time getting rid of the sins they struggle with. After all, one just needs to tell God “I’m sorry” once he has committed it, and everything’s fine. They don’t have to think (as we do) about how horrible going to Confession will be before committing the sin. Had Catholicism not featured Confession, I’d probably still be steeped into grave sin, as many many Catholics would be. I’m sure most of the Saints would not have made it into Heaven had it not been for Confession.

God bless

 

[IrishRush]

I feel like the Sacrament of Penance makes us more conscious of our tendency to sin. The humiliation of confessing doesn’t slow me down as much as having confessed the same sin multiple times does. I become more aware of my habitual sins by speaking them aloud in the confessional, and then become more conscious of them when I’m about to do them again. Most of the time I’m able to stop myself as a result.
So rather than thinking humiliation slows us in our sinning, I think it’s more awareness of the sins themselves.
Just my opinion, but it feels right to me.

 

[strangemark]

Apparently some people have difficulty with the sacrament of penance.

One frequently encounters objections from Protestants who do not understand why they need to tell another human being how they have sinned when they can pray to God directly asking for forgiveness.

catholics seem to be taught to be more self obsessive - of what is considered to be mortal- and veniel sin-

christians are - taught to repent and turn from that error- receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit - to resist - the error

Light Bearers

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

christians have faith in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, – to do his Good pleasure