As we wait in joyful anticipation of Christ’s coming, going to confession during Advent gives us an opportunity to truly prepare the way to welcome the king of kings into our hearts this Christmas.
God loves each of us unconditionally and calls us his children. In the light of his love for us, the Sacrament of Reconciliation offers the opportunity for us to recognise our sins, and be renewed by his loving mercy and forgiveness. It allows us to place the broken areas in our lives into the healing hands of the gentle, merciful and compassionate God who wants to free us from anxiety, fear, and the many other burdens we may be carrying. Confession cleanses our souls so that we are at peace with God. God completely forgives us all of our sins and offers us his healing grace ‘Go in peace’. The second after absolution is like having a shower after playing sports or like waking up on a sunlit summer morning. God cleanses us through his forgiveness and anoints us with his healing, giving us renewed strength to continue on our walk of faith.
There is no need to have any fear of going to Confession or of approaching a priest, even if it is a long time since our last confession. The sacrament of penance is above all an act of God’s love. God will always forgive us. The priests represent the person of God; they are not there to judge, but they lovingly administer his forgiveness.
Before going to Confession it is a good idea to pray, asking God to help us make a good confession. Making a good examination of conscience can help us see how we have sinned since our last confession and it can help us identify the areas of our lives where need God’s forgiveness.
A Short Prayer before Confession Loving God, thank you for the gift of this Sacrament of your healing love and mercy. Help me to know the sins I ought to confess, and grant me your grace to confess them fully with a contrite heart. Amen.
