fr paul's blog

People raise every conceivable kind of objection to making their Confession, and give a hundred reasons.  I can give you another hundred, but they are completely useless and I can tell you where they come from.  They come straight from the devil, the father of lies, who tempts us to think that we are in complete control of our destiny.  The sin of our first parents was the sin of pride.  All sin is pride and that pride makes us resist the light of the Holy Spirit that searches our inmost conscience.  We fear surrendering ourselves, we fear inward changes even though it will give us freedom from the burden of an unexamined life.  I can't make anyone go to Confession, I can't make them have a shower, but I know it is a good thing to have a shower and I know it is a good thing to go to Confession.  Our Lord wants to make us clean from the odour of sin.  For this odour impairs our relationship in knowing Him and loving Him.

All I can do, as any other priest, is to tell you that this Sacrament of the Lords healing and mercy helps us to grow in holiness.  Daily examination of conscience will help us prepare to come to this sacrament.  There is nothing to fear if you have been away from Confession for a long time for the priest is there to help and guide you.  Remember there is no sin that the Saviour cannot forgive if you are truly sorry and make a commitment to a new beginning.  It is not the number of sins that matters but knowing our need of the Lords healing and forgiveness that sets us free.  And this I know, that every priest on the day of his personal judgement will be asked this question by the Lord: "Did you teach the people this way of forgiveness?".