The other day, one of my friends sends me a YouTube link, titled: Get clean. In these initial weeks of Lenten season, it is an inspirational and motivating video for the spiritual nourishment. Lent is a time of purification and sanctification. Therefore, confession is the best means to get purified and sanctified. Here I would like to address three questionsa. What is the Biblical basis of Confession?
There are many reference of confession in the Bible, but I prefer: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn. 20:22-23).
b. What is teaching of the Catholic Church on Confession?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1424: The sacrament of penance is called the sacrament of confession, “since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a “confession” – acknowledgment and praise – of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man”.
c. Should I confess to a Priest?
Recent and best answer: “someone can say, ‘I confess my sins only to God.’ Yes, you can say to God, ‘forgive me,’ and say your sins. But our sins are also against our brothers, against the Church. This is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness of the Church and of our brothers, in the person of the priest” Pope Francis (General audience – Feb. 19, 2014).
The forgiveness of God is not a result of our efforts but a given gift from God. Let us ask ourselves: “’When was the last time I went to confession?’ And if it has been a long time, don’t lose another day! Go, the priest will be good. And Jesus, (will be) there …. He will receive you with so much love! Be courageous, and go to confession” Pope Francis (General audience – Feb. 19, 2014).
So the question for us to reflect in these days: “Am I courageous enough to go to confession”?
Thank you for the video get clean