Today, I made my confession…
Today, I met with my confessor and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
As a priest, I believe it is very important to live out the life we call others into, and the sacraments are a huge part of my life and ministry. Making confession isn’t meant to be easy. It involves a careful examination of self, and a determination to seek a life lived in sacramental grace, despite the harsh realities of the world around us.
For many Anglicans, this is a sacrament that is sadly misunderstood. The reality of our church is that it has always shied away from fully embracing some aspects of the sacramental life. In an effort to speak from the middle-ground, which I actually applaud, it risks loosing the true meaning of these gifts from God and how they can deeply root us in him and his love for us.
Often, we think of confession in the way we see it in on TV or in the movies. The reality is somewhat different; a quiet space, away from the hustle and bustle of the day, and a priest who comes to listen, counsel and absolve. There was no “say 10 Hail Mary’s” in my penance requirement. Instead, a thoughtful and helpful priest invited me to consider my actions in different ways, and directly challenged me on some of them. For penance I must read a specific text, pray on it and seek to repair a damaged relationship. In doing these things, I aim to fully turn my life back to God, to be more focussed on his call to me, and on my ministry to serve him and his people.
At the end of my time with my confessor, he absolves me of my sins. Only he can do this, because God grants that power to priests. He asks me to pray for him, reminding me that he is also a sinner. This is the incredible mystery of God incarnate in our modern world. He empowers his priests to forgive sins, and in doing so, to help those who come understand what it means to be truly forgiven.
Forgiveness is active. It involves me accepting it, and allowing the guilt and shame of my wrong-doings to be taken away and literally dumped on the cross. It is life-changing, life-giving and truly humbling.
If you haven’t made your confession, Advent is a good time to consider doing so; it might not be what you think!