Reflect on the role of confession in healing and strengthening our connection to the Church, as explained through a heartfelt Gospel reflection.
Today's Gospel: John 1:29-34
It’s hard to explain to kids who Jesus really was. He was a great teacher. He was a miracle worker. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and still today He takes away the sins of the world, our sins. Jesus gave us the sacrament of Confession, a sacrament of healing, a sacrament of profound love. Sure, we can say in our heads we are sorry that we offended Jesus, but it’s through the sacrament of Confession that we can say it directly to Jesus. How is that possible? Through the priest! In the sacrament of Confession, the priest is in persona Christi, a Latin phrase meaning "in the person of Christ."
Jesus left us the Church here on Earth, and we are all called to help hold up the Church. Romans 12:4-5 tells us, "For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another." We all need to work together.
Long ago, when I was teaching the First Communion class, I wasn’t sure if the class was understanding that sin is not just our own personal matter, but also affects the whole Church, so I decided to ask the class if they understood. One wise 8-year-old responded that we are all pillars holding up God’s Church. When we sin, we damage ourselves and can’t be as strong as we should be in holding up our portion. The more sin we have, the more damage we do, and the less of a job we can do helping to hold up the Church. When we go to Confession, our pillar is repaired and can hold up our portion one hundred percent. I couldn’t have explained that better!
Ponder:
What are your feelings before going to Confession, and what are they after you go?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for having offended You. Please help us love You with our entire heart so that we may be the strong pillars holding up your Church that we were meant to be!
Pray Together:
This week, go to Confession as a family. Pray together on the way there. Make it a big deal and a joyous occasion, not one to be feared. The more you go, the easier it gets.
Copyright 2026 Deacon Kevin Gingras
Deacon Kevin Gingras was ordained a deacon in 2019 and serves at Holy Family Parish in the Diocese of Fall River. He has worked for MEDITECH for 35 years, and is currently a Senior Network Engineer. Kevin has been married to Allison for over 35 years, and they have three children. Most importantly, when not with his family or serving the Church, Kevin would rather be fishing or at Bass Pro Shop planning his next fishing trip!
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