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Our Lord having purchased the forgiveness of sins for all mankind, He hath committed the ministry of reconciliation to us; that having brought men to repentance, may in Christ's name, and in the person of Christ, pronounce their pardon. |
Bless me, for I have sinned...
A B O U T C O N F E S S I O N
Confession to a Priest is sometimes called "Auricular Confession," "Private Confession," "Sacramental Confession," "The Rite of Reconciliation," or – more often than not – simply "Confession." This is to distinguish it from the Public "General" Confessions made during corporate times of worship. So why two confessions? Why a Public and a Private form? Well, for the same reason that sometimes you got to the gym yourself and sometimes you go to see a trainer. We all eat, but sometimes a nutritionist must be sought. Sometimes you need a general checkup and common immunization and other times you need to see a specialist. In this sense, Confession to a Priest is not optional but necessary. What we mean is that when you've broken your arm, receiving a cast is not simply a nice idea but a necessity. The same is true of private confession: there are persons who need it, and very often – at least once in your life no doubt – you are that person. This is why the Book of Common Prayer lists the Rite of Reconciliation as one of the "foundational" ministries of the Church. (222)
So then, how do I know if I need to go to Confession? Well, it is a good practice to make your confession regularly regardless of whether or not you need to. This is because Confession is not merely the putting away of sins but also provides grace to resist future sin. Still, there are a few symptoms we use to determine if someone must seek the Church's pardon. First, is there that sin that you have repented of and yet you cannot shake the sense that God has not relinquished you from its spiritual consequences? Does it haunt you? If so, then you must come to confession and receive the benefits of Absolution. Second, do you feel as if there is nothing in your life that you must repent of? Is your heart hard and cold toward your sin? If so, then you must come to Confession and be convicted of God's holiness. Finally, have you committed "Deadly" sin? St. John tells us that not all sin leads to death, but some does (1 John 5:17). Simply put: there are some sins that – in effect – are a renunciation of the Faith. Some denounce Christ by word, but many more do so by deed. To give one example: the act of murder is so contrary to the Gospel of Christ that to commit it is truly to cease to be Christian. Once we have left the Church – by word or deed – we must be restored to the Church by the Church. This is accomplished through Confession. If you have sinned in a grave manner – and you will know – you must come to Confession.
So then, how do I know if I need to go to Confession? Well, it is a good practice to make your confession regularly regardless of whether or not you need to. This is because Confession is not merely the putting away of sins but also provides grace to resist future sin. Still, there are a few symptoms we use to determine if someone must seek the Church's pardon. First, is there that sin that you have repented of and yet you cannot shake the sense that God has not relinquished you from its spiritual consequences? Does it haunt you? If so, then you must come to confession and receive the benefits of Absolution. Second, do you feel as if there is nothing in your life that you must repent of? Is your heart hard and cold toward your sin? If so, then you must come to Confession and be convicted of God's holiness. Finally, have you committed "Deadly" sin? St. John tells us that not all sin leads to death, but some does (1 John 5:17). Simply put: there are some sins that – in effect – are a renunciation of the Faith. Some denounce Christ by word, but many more do so by deed. To give one example: the act of murder is so contrary to the Gospel of Christ that to commit it is truly to cease to be Christian. Once we have left the Church – by word or deed – we must be restored to the Church by the Church. This is accomplished through Confession. If you have sinned in a grave manner – and you will know – you must come to Confession.