Revolution of Love.com
Part I- Confession: A Manifestation of God's Mercy
by Brian
Ever since my conversion some years back, I made the decision to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (aka Confession) often. At first, I made the commitment to go to Confession once a month, but eventually that changed to every two weeks. Now I am going almost weekly.
Some of you may be saying to yourself, "Isn't weekly confession overdoing it a bit?" I would have to respond by simply saying, "No." I believe the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a glorious manifestation of God's love and mercy that brings about healing, deliverance and peace.
Losing A Sense of Sin
Now I must admit that it is sad to walk into one of our local churches on a Saturday afternoon and see so few Catholics taking advantage of this great Sacrament. I once read that in the 1950's Pope Pius XII, in a radio address to catechists, warned them that the greatest sin of the century was that the faithful were losing the "sense of sin." I believe this is an excellent assessment of what is currently happening among the Catholic population.
It is extremely sad that so many Catholics, due to a badly formed conscience and or simple ignorance cannot recognize sin. It is tragic because if one does not see and understand sin for what it is, how can they know or experience the great love that God has for them.
The loss of the sense of sin is a tragedy. So many Catholics throughout the world not only deprive themselves of the healing mercy of God, but also His Heavenly Love. Anyone who goes to confession regularly will tell you that within the Sacrament, the experience of God's love can often be gentle and almost unnoticeable. However, there are those rare occasions when one will experience a torrent of God's love rushing over their wounded soul.
Healing Power
I believe one reason why some of the most notorious sinners became some of the greatest saints was due in large part to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. By recognizing their own wretchedness and then receiving the Sacrament, these sinners experienced the love of God that not only transformed them, but also healed them.
I believe the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great and awesome gift given by Jesus to His Bride, the Church. The Sacrament not only removes sin from our hearts and souls, but also fills us with God's merciful love. Confessing one's sins offers the sinner the opportunity to meet Jesus face to face and experience His forgiveness.
In conclusion, I would like to encourage you not to fool yourself thinking, "I don't need confession because I don't sin." This is exactly what Satan wants you to think. Since we are all sinners, we are all in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. To think otherwise is pure craziness.
Remember, by acknowledging our sinfulness we are really acknowledging that we need God's love. What could be more pleasing to Our Heavenly Father!
See you at the confessional line.
God bless.
Part II- Tips for Confession
by Bobbi
Like Brian, I have also tried to increase the quality and quantity of my confessions. I have found two points that have helped me a great deal.
Examination of Conscience
First point, find yourself a good examination of conscience to help you prepare for confession. If you are just starting out or haven't been to confession in awhile, you can use a basic exam that reviews over the main elements of the Ten Commandments. You can find one online at sites such as EWTN.com or CatholicCulture.org or you can request one from RoL and we'll send you a pocket size exam to keep in your wallet. If you haven't committed any mortal sins and need an exam that goes a little deeper at helping you root out your venial sins, try the online examination of conscience at Vocation.com.
Nightly Exam
Second point, you will find yourself making better confessions when you take a few minutes each evening to review and examine your day. Pick a time that works best for you. If you like to end your day with night prayers before retiring, do it then. But if you fall asleep before your opening sign of the cross, chose a time earlier in the evening. It doesn't have to be minutes before you go to sleep. One of my friend's does hers during her commute home from work. Another, while her husband reads a bedtime story to the kids. Another, does his while the kids are sleeping and his wife is preparing for bed. Use what works and stick to it.
Write It Down
I have also found it helpful to keep a small notebook that I record my exams. I review over my day then jot down the areas I need to work on. Then when it is time to prepare for confession I review the entries for that week or two. It also helps me to get a better understanding of what sins I am committing habitually. If I see that I have been losing my temper a lot, or wasting too much time, or being uncharitable, etc then I know what areas need particular work that week.
Thanking God
In my notebook, I also write down things I'm thankful for that day. Whether it was a visit from a friend, the opportunity to go to Mass or the grace to hold my tongue when I wanted to lose my temper. Fostering thankfulness to God and appreciating the blessings He sends me each day makes me more aware of how much I hurt Him when I chose my own selfish ways over His. It also helps fight the rut of routine confessions where you list off the same old sins week after week. This way, you may be saying the same sins but instead of getting discouraged or complacent, you can thank God for the grace to make small steps in progress.
These are just a couple points and they can be done in a few minutes each night (or longer and more in depth if you have time.) Work at it little by little and both Brian and I will see you in the confessional line!