Question:
Why should I confess to a priest? Thank you.
Answer:
Dear [Recipient],
Because that is how Jesus Christ instituted it. ‘Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven them’ (John 20:23).
Some say, ‘I confess directly to God’; for example, Protestants. But this is not enough.
Because Jesus said to his apostles: ‘Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven them’ (John 20:23). With these words, Jesus authorizes and entrusts the practice of the sacramental confession to priests. And the history of the sacrament of penance is the progressive expression of this awareness within the Church. Why did Christ choose this form of forgiveness? God is pleased to act through intermediaries: He acts this way in birth, culture, baptism, religious education… By becoming our confidant, the other—the priest—sensibly represents the Other—God—to us. And that dialogue with him enlivens our faith.
Some think it is difficult to entrust oneself to a third party. However, there is an innate desire in man to confide in someone. In the absence of confessing to a priest, one confides in the first person who comes along. The success of psychiatrists, psychologists, and all kinds of counselors is explained by this need (Archbishop Gouyon).
But is the priest not also a sinner? His absolution remains valid. ‘When Peter baptizes, it is Christ who baptizes. When Judas baptizes, it is Christ who baptizes’ (St. Augustine).
The one who absolves is always Christ! In Him, it is the Father who welcomes His child and embraces him to His heart (Luke 15:11-32).
Some also object that ‘there are people who go to confession and are no better than others.’ But what would they be without confession? Père de Foucauld, despite his doubts, once agreed to confess his sins. From that point on, his faith was strengthened and his life underwent a profound transformation.
More people are receiving Communion… and fewer are going to confession. Serious sins do not seem to be an obstacle to Communion. Let us not forget the solemn warning of St. Paul: “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
Fr. Miguel A. Fuentes, IVE
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