Embracing Mercy: A Guide to Confession and Reconciliation This Lent

“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” These are the words most often used while the priest signs our heads with ashes at the beginning of Lent, and they highlight our deep need for conversion and renewal.

Lent, in a particular way, is a time for deepening our relationship with God, acknowledging our need for His mercy, and growing in holiness. The Lord wants us to emerge from these 40 days able to fully embrace the joy of His Resurrection. 

The Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation is one of the most powerful and transformative ways to experience the mercy God longs to extend to you. 

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Why Confession?

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The thought of going to Confession can evoke strong feelings of hesitation and fear, even among many life-long Catholics; but the truth is, this Sacrament is one of the most unique and profound gifts of our Faith. 

When we commit a sin, particularly a mortal sin, we cut ourselves off from a relationship with God. And, just as our first parents, we cannot restore this relationship by our human efforts alone; we Divine Intervention. We need God’s grace and Mercy that comes from Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection. 

Confession is more than just a way to “clear our slate.” It restores us to communion with God and His Church, and similar to the Holy Ecuharist, it facilitates an encounter with Jesus who has the power to transform our hearts to be more like His. 

Not only do we receive forgiveness for our sins, but the graces from this sacrament also help remedy the temporal consequences of them, which often affect our lives and relationships. 

This sacrament brings healing and wholeness to those who seek it. 

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Steps for Making a Good Confession

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Confession offers a fresh start, a moment of grace where we can be restored and set on the path of holiness once again. Here’s how you can approach this Sacrament with a heart open to receiving God’s grace and forgiveness: 

1. Examine Your Conscience: Before going to confession, take time to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and desires. This can be done through prayer or by using a guide for an examination of conscience. Consider areas in your life where you’ve strayed from God, whether through sins of commission (things you’ve done) or omission (things you’ve failed to do).
   
   
2. Be Honest and Specific: When you confess, be honest with the priest. Don’t rush through your confession, but take time to name the sins you’re confessing. Be specific, as this helps you acknowledge the gravity of your actions and allows you to truly seek God’s forgiveness. Remember, there’s no sin too big for God’s mercy.
   
   
3. Express Contrition: True contrition is the heartfelt sorrow for having offended God. It’s not simply being sorry for the consequences of sin but for how it affects your relationship with God. This is the attitude of repentance that prepares your heart to receive God’s forgiveness.
   
   If you don’t have an Act of Contrition memorized, don’t worry! Most confessionals have one available from which to read.
   
   
4. Complete Your Penance: After the priest gives you absolution, he will assign a penance—usually a prayer or an act of charity. It’s important to complete this penance as soon as possible, as it signifies your desire to make amends and grow in holiness. It also shows your commitment to turning away from sin and toward God.

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During Lent, the Church invites us to approach this sacrament with a renewed sense of purpose. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual lives, examine our hearts, and seek forgiveness for the ways we have fallen short of God’s love and expectations. 

The Church offers Confession throughout Lent, and many parishes host extra times of confession during this season to make it even easier for you to receive the sacrament.

Take the time during this season to seek that mercy, to turn back to God, and to experience the joy of reconciliation with Him.

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