The Sacrament of Reconciliation

As we head into the Advent and Christmas seasons, I’d like to comment on the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly called Confession . . .

Sometimes people wonder why Catholics confess to a priest, rather than to God directly in the privacy of their own home.

Here are a few questions worth considering:

• How do you receive the grace that comes with a sacramental encounter, when you are alone?
• How do you fully reconcile with your faith community if not through the priestly presence of Christ—the priest—who represents the entire community?
• How can you be sure that you are not rationalizing away your sins and misleading yourself?

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful sacrament that should be practiced regularly.  This sacrament keeps us moving on the path to holiness.  Priests are "in persona Christi" and when they make the sign of the cross over the penitent and give absolution, forgiveness comes through Christ.

Why would we not want to avail ourselves of this encounter with Christ?

I hope you have a blessed Advent as you contemplate the coming of the Savior of the world.