So I’ve decided to kick this off with perhaps the scariest topic: Confession. Now, I’m not going to bombard you with scripture or long quotes. Rather I invite you to examine what it is that the Catholic Church is offering.
First off , what is sin? Mortal sin is a grave and willful sin (murder, idolatry, bigotry, etc) against the love of God. Venial sins are the little, and often unintentional things we do against God’s love. Over time, those venial sins can turn into a mortal sin (constantly bragging turns into arrogant pride).
Next, what is the big deal with sinning, it’s just my soul and between me and God, right? No. Your sins actually damage 5 relationships: the bond between yourself and God, the bond between you and the Church, the bond between you and who you hurt, the bond between you and your community, and lastly the bond with yourself. At first this looks like a bunch of crap, but it’s not. Our example sin here will be Sam cheating on his wife Beth. In that act he damaged his bond with God in that he disregarded his marital vows that he made, and ignored God’s wishes of chastity and obedience. Next he harmed his relationship with the Church because he basically didn’t stay faithful to what he promised them he’d do (honor his wife and be faithful to Church teachings). The people he hurt was his wife obviously, but also the other woman. His actions made her an adulterous woman, and damaged the state of her soul. Then there is a community, they must suffer having a dishonest and adulterous man representing a piece of them. Lastly, there is the damage he did to himself, the guilt of what he did, and the fact he knows that what he did isn’t who is is supposed to be. As a husband he’s supposed to love and honor his wife, that’s what he signed up for.
So, we’re sinners. From the humble nun to the local drunk. We can’t do anything about it right? We can’t be perfect, we will always fall, from time to time. But by asking for God’s help we can try. It’s what we do when we fall that matters.
What can a sinner do to get right with God and mend those relationships? First, pray for God’s help and go to confession. How will that help? Well it never hurts to ask for God’s help, on anything. Secondly when the priest forgives you he absolves you in the name of God, by the authority of His Church. Relationship with God and and Church, fixed. And who can hold against you what God himself has forgiven? Community and personal relationships fixed. Sounds a bit too good to be true, but that’s the power of God’s love and his son’s sacrifice. All this turned a man’s sin into a building block for him to move on and be a better husband and community member.
LIGHTNING ROUND:
Church’s authority to forgive sins:
John 20:23
Is confession confidential?
Yes, under canon law any priest that even talks to you outside of confession about your sins (unless you bring it up outside first) permanent faces excommunication. They can’t even hint that you’d been to confession. Best confidant ever.
How much is it?
Free, and typically less then half an hour of time, depending on the line.
Free, and typically less then half an hour of time, depending on the line.
Why can’t I just tell God I’m sorry?
You can, but that only repairs one or two of the bonds your sin damaged. Speaking from personal experience, the feeling of finishing confession is amazing because when I hear the words of absolution, I know that the God of all has forgiven me and welcomed me back onto his Church. Better then a cold soda in the shade.
You can, but that only repairs one or two of the bonds your sin damaged. Speaking from personal experience, the feeling of finishing confession is amazing because when I hear the words of absolution, I know that the God of all has forgiven me and welcomed me back onto his Church. Better then a cold soda in the shade.
Isn’t it awkward to tell a man the horrible things I’ve done?
The first few times, yeah. But the benefits outweigh the temporary burden.
The first few times, yeah. But the benefits outweigh the temporary burden.
So walk in confess and that’s it?
Well, no, not really. After you confess your sins your priest will go over ways to help you understand your sins, and how to avoid them. It’s like a mini counseling session. And no co-payment!
Well, no, not really. After you confess your sins your priest will go over ways to help you understand your sins, and how to avoid them. It’s like a mini counseling session. And no co-payment!
Wait, but wait what’s this about binding sins? I thought all sins are forgiven.
To be forgiven you need a contrite heart. If you’re not sorry and are just going to go commit the sin again, why forgive you. You don’t wash a car right before a demolition derby.
To be forgiven you need a contrite heart. If you’re not sorry and are just going to go commit the sin again, why forgive you. You don’t wash a car right before a demolition derby.
Do I have to be Catholic to got to confession? To be absolved, yes. Perks of the club. But as I understand it, only in grave situations (war, disaster, etc) and those are rare. A non-Catholic Christian can do so if they are willing to recognize the Church’s authority to absolve them by God’s authority. Some priests may say no, but even if they won’t they may offer here your confession and give you a blessing and offer you help/advice. For a better explanation.
This is a lot, let it sink. Reward yourself for reading this by taking a break from this screen for a bit.
Any requests? I’ll gladly go into any topic of Catholic faith.
