| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fear of Confession | Carol | Tuesday, April 1, 2008 |
Question: I joined the Catholic Church through the RCIA program some years ago. I've always found the sacrament of reconcilliation to be comforting and healing, like a ton of bricks has been lifted off my shoulders each time I go. I am surprised by the number of Catholics I encounter who admit that they are terrified of confession. Some flatly refuse to try it ever again, while others report miserably forcing themselves to go prior to Christmas and/or Easter. One retired nun I chatted with admitted that she still gets nervous before confession even though she has gone pretty much every weekend of her adult life! I'm wonder what happened to these people to sour their experience of this beautiful sacrament. What words of encouragement can I offer to those who are afraid of confession? |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Carol: Fear of confession is related to 1) pride; or 2) fear inspired by demons; or 3) both. Some people fear confession because they are embarrassed to confess some sin, or to confess some sin again and again. Some just feel an indescribable nervousness or fear. This is most likely inspired by the devil. Satan hates confession almost as much as he hates our Blessed Mother. I tell people that going to confession is like going to the lake to swim. One dips their tow in the water and it feels cold so they are reluctant to jump in. But once the grin and bear it and jump in the water, they may have an initial shock, but they quickly adjust and have fun. Fear of confession can be like that. Another analogy is "stage fright". In either analogy once the person gets into confession it is not as bad as they thought it would be. Confession is like taking a shower so we can be presentable to our lover. What person goes on a date without taking a shower first? What person goes to work without taking a shower first? Confession is taking a shower so we are presentable to our Lord. It cleanses our soul. I know that when I take a shower it feels good to be clean. It feels sooooo good to have our soul clean. A story is told, that I have told many times, of a holy nun who died. Everyone in the convent believed this nun was holy and certainly in heaven. One day God allowed the old nun to appear in an apparition to the Abbess. The old nun pleaded to the Abbess to be sure to tell the sisters to confess ALL mortal sins. The old nun then explained that despite everyone thinking she was a holy nun, she had been too embarrassed to confess one particular mortal sin. As a result, she was now in hell. The priest has heard everything. NEVER delay in going to Confession. Confess behind the veil, go to a different priest, go to another parish, go to another town, but do not ever fail in going to Confession. I don't know if any of this answers your question, but these are the thoughts that come to mind. God bless,
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