Sacrament of Penance

HailMary90 · #1 Nov 20, '11, 4:21 pm

This isn't really a question but more of a discussion...

I see the Sacrament of Penance as one of the greatest blessings the Lord has given us. Do you guys agree? It just amazes me how forgiving our Lord is!

Scout · #2 Nov 20, '11, 4:34 pm

I've heard people say that they don't need to go to Confession, that "God understands". That's the wrong way of looking at it. We have Confession because God understands. If He didn't understand, He wouldn't have blessed us with this wonderful Sacrament in the first place.

I love Confession. It's a way to admit your sins and be granted forgiveness from Christ Himself. He told St. Faustina that it was Himself that was doing the forgiving, not the priest, but that He was speaking through the priest. So, Confession is hearing Christ Himself give me absolution. How blessed we are as Catholics.

Scout

lauraabarlow · #3 Nov 20, '11, 5:16 pm

I agree-a very wonderful sacrament indeed. Oh--how I miss my old confessor. You definitely saw the love of Jesus shining through this priest/friend. It was because of him and the sacrament that I learned to appreciate what God has establisheded for us to bring forgiveness and mercy for our sins.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scout

I've heard people say that they don't need to go to Confession, that "God understands". That's the wrong way of looking at it. We have Confession because God understands. If He didn't understand, He wouldn't have blessed us with this wonderful Sacrament in the first place.

I love Confession. It's a way to admit your sins and be granted forgiveness from Christ Himself. He told St. Faustina that it was Himself that was doing the forgiving, not the priest, but that He was speaking through the priest. So, Confession is hearing Christ Himself give me absolution. How blessed we are as Catholics.

Scout

Joe Kelley · #4 Nov 20, '11, 5:30 pm

Someplace Chesterton states that the greatest reason why he became Catholic was to have his sins forgiven. I recently heard a convert express the same reason. The rest is a great bonus, but forgiveness is the first need.

CatholicZ09 · #5 Nov 20, '11, 6:10 pm

I just went yesterday and felt a lot better afterwards. I could really sense Christ in my confessor. I felt so at peace during and after Confession.

Deo Gratias42 · #6 Nov 20, '11, 10:52 pm

I usually go to Confession weekly, as I work in a stressful/frustrating all week. The graces really help me with my patience and charity. I didn't go this weekend, and I'm starting to worry about tomorrow, as I have a full day of "clients".

Rahn · #7 Nov 21, '11, 6:29 pm

I agree, but what I find lacking (and this is no knock against the sacrament, rather, people's approach to it) is the concept of repentance. Many people approach the confessional as the place where they confess their sins and get absolution and a penance, and it's certainly that. But, if you're back next day/week/month/year and confessing the same sins, something's wrong. Confession is also about feeling such sorrow over offending the Lord that you are willing to make changes in your life to not do it anymore.