During this National Eucharistic Revival, we have witnessed so many people immersing themselves in the worship and celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our lives! There is another sacrament, also richly appreciated by some, but avoided by too many others, that brings us intimately close to Jesus – the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
When I decided to return to the Church at 19 years old, my mom reminded me to go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion again. Throughout my childhood, she nurtured in me an appreciation for the unity of both sacraments. She would say, “I have so much respect for those who stay in the pews during Holy Communion. The fact that they won’t receive tells you how seriously they take Communion.” That point always stuck with me.
Recently, I attended the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, and I wanted to go to Confession. The line looked a mile long, but people said, “It’s moving very quickly. There are 70 priests hearing Confessions!” I looked at my watch, and I had a dilemma. My next conference was scheduled in 45 minutes, and I really wanted to attend. However, a sacrament outweighs a conference. Then again, I could go to Confession at any time, but wouldn’t necessarily have another chance to hear this conference. I put my trust in God and asked Him to clear a path for me so that I could go to both.
I finally made it to the front of a line, which led into a large conference room but snaked into a dozen more lines! A volunteer pointed to the other side of the room and told me to go over there. I did what he said, but then another volunteer came rushing over and explained that I was misdirected and led me back to a place in line where a woman graciously let me in. After a few minutes, I realized I was probably way ahead of where I was originally. When I finally got to a priest, he heard my Confession and I prayed my penance. I made it to my conference just as it began! I was so grateful that God did indeed clear the path for me.
For those of you who avoid Confession, remember that God loves you and longs to forgive your sins. That’s why He gave us the Sacrament of Confession! Going to Confession not only helps us spiritually, but emotionally as well. Non-Catholic therapists love Confession because one of the biggest problems their clients face is guilt. I recall a secular DJ once saying that he considered converting to Catholicism just for Confession. The other DJs started to laugh, and he responded, “No, guys, I’m serious! You go to Confession, say what you’re sorry for, and you know without a doubt that you are forgiven!” We have a beautiful gift here from God.
So, why is it important to bring our sins to a priest? Remember, we’re not confessing to a priest, but to Jesus Himself through the priest, who is acting in persona Christi. The beauty is that we hear the priest speak the words of absolution and, as the DJ said, know without a doubt that we are forgiven!
At age 19, when I got into that confessional, I told the priest I didn’t really remember what to do, and he walked me through it. I felt so relieved when I was finished. If you know it has been too long, if you have been putting it off for whatever reason, clear that path and allow Jesus to give you the gift of His mercy. The path to His heart is always open to those who seek His forgiveness!
Sister M. Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM, is the program director at Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center, Stone Harbor. For more information about retreats at Villa Maria by the Sea, visit VMbytheSea.com. For information about discerning a vocation with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Malvern, PA, visit ihmimmaculata.org.
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