Why go to Confession? Catholic Controversies pp Rev William Saunders, Ph.D

What is Sin?  Saunders calls it a violation of love against God and Neighbor.  All 10 commandments point towards love  Love God (1-3)  Love Neighbor (4-10)  So sin is a violation of the 10 commandments  Probably why we are asked to reflect on them before the sacrament

What did Jesus say to his 12 Disciples concerning this sacrament on Easter?  If they forgave, or refused to forgive, the same would be done in Heaven.  This is one of the places we see the Church’s justification for the sacrament of reconciliation.  Remember from last week’s lesson: for those who accept the veracity of the New Testament, it makes sense to take advantage of the means of forgiveness Christ articulated.

Confession errata  There are a few Protestant denominations, including traditional Episcopalians and Lutherans who also recognize this sacrament.  It wasn’t until the pontificate of Leo I during the mid- 5th century AD that private confession under a seal of secrecy become the norm within the Roman Catholic Church.  The Church only REQUIRES that mortal sins be confessed prior to receiving the Eucharist.  Since the Fourth Lateran Council the church has required Catholics who have reached the age of discretion to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confession Errata (cont’d)  Until recently the regular confession of venial sins was not really encouraged.  Pope Pius XII gave several reasons to make regular use of this sacrament.  It increases genuine self-knowledge in the penitent.  It allows humility to grow and bad habits to be corrected.  It strengthens the will and improves self-control.

What does Reconciliation forgive?  Certainly the sins we confess.  Sins we forgot about and didn’t mention are also forgiven (though this isn’t a get out of jail free card!)  It can also remove psychological guilt for having sinned in the first place.  A refusal to “get over” the guilt of a sin after receiving reconciliation can itself be a sin.