Don't be afraid of the Confessional!!

I remember back in the day when we would form up at school and march over to the church for "class" confession.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - While waiting in line and watching your classmates going into the confessional and wondering if they were going to come out; one had lots of time to get a little nervous. Anytime you think about showing anyone that side of you that is "secret", it can get one a little angst filled. Hitting my sister aside, I really didn't have a lot to worry about at that age.

As one gets older, more serious sins may come into play and some start questioning having to go to a priest to "tell" their sins instead of just going straight to the big guy upstairs. Besides, it cuts out that embarrassment and anxiety.  This is a mistake!

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most beautiful experiences to encounter. I for one can get burdened with the world at times, weighing me down emotionally and spiritually. Life is a test of faith and as humans we are prone to failing in some way when we are at our weakest. Living in the world requires us to somehow fuel up our "life" tanks so we can go on in our daily struggles with our heads lifted high and empowered from above!

This sacrament along with the Blessed Sacrament can surely do this. To tell the priest of our struggles, fears, concerns and yes - sins; amounts to opening ourselves up to the God of mercy and forgiveness and including him in our lives as the prodigal sons and daughters we are. After listening to the loving advice the priest provides and receiving absolution from God through his minister; I have always felt new, and invigorated to go out in the world and be that witness to our faith in the love and mercy of God our loving Father. 

The grace we receive from this sacrament provides us the ability to conquer sin in our lives and overcome attachments to the world that can separate us from God's love and grace. So today, waiting in line for confession provides me with a time of purposeful interior reflection of my life with Christ and those areas I can improve as well as those that I can celebrate. There is no more anxiety or fear like I had as a child, only a great love for this beautiful sacrament.  Oh yeah, I thought you would all like to know I finally gave up hitting my sister!

A birth foretold: click here to learn more!

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