Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent

     Over these past weeks of Lent we have been discussing and coming to a clearer understanding of what “sin” is.  This week we see in the readings of the Mass how God raises Israel, Lazarus, and us from the dead.  These readings are intended to bring us to see our renewed life in Christ which comes to us in Baptism; but what of us who are already baptized?  Can we be baptized again, having recognized even more clearly what our sins are and from whence they have come?

     Obviously, NO, we cannot be baptized again.  The Church made that abundantly clear in Her first centuries, especially in the aftermath of the great persecutions of the Church before the peace of Constantine where She had to reckon with the question of what to do about those who had apostocized, that is: turned away from the faith.  The Church had come to recognize that God had done His part and it was not to be done again and again; it was, rather, for us to do our part.  And yet…

     The answer lie in another of the sacraments (an outward sign of an inner reality established by Christ is give grace) which had already been practiced from the time Christ had established it after the Resurrection (cf. John 20:22-23): the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession.  In this sacrament we are once again made clean, as at our Baptism, and reconciled with God, our holy Mother – the Church, and with Her children – our fellow believers.

     Thus, we have this great gift which, having become aware of our sins and confessing them, affords us again God’s great mercy; that mercy which was won for us at so terrible a price on Calvary.  As children we were taught how to approach this sacrament and were encouraged to approach it frequently.  Too often however we do not.  Too often as well, if we go, we don’t really do it very well; it’s almost as if we know we need to go but aren’t really convinced of our sins; other times we mistaken the sacrament for a counseling session.  The sacrament best does what God intends, when we do what the sacrament intends.  So, let me give you some insights gained from years and years of hearing confessions.

     First of all, recognize that the sacrament, as with all sacraments, is a liturgical rite.  It has developed over time to its present form because over time the Church, in Her wisdom and experience, has recognized what works best.  Take the rite seriously and follow it.  If you don’t remember the rite, take one of the guides provided at the entrance to each of our confessionals.  You will recognize, over time, how the rite itself forms us and then prepares us for the reconciliation with God and our neighbor that it is intended to provide.

     Next, CONFESS YOUR SINS!  So often people will come in and tell the priest-confessor what they need to improve on, or what their biggest “problem” is.  It may well be that these have something to do with the sins you have committed, but they are NOT your sins and therefore there is little the priest-confessor can do about them except to counsel you about them.  The absolution the priest-confessor offers is the absolution of sins, which are the matter of this sacrament – so give him something to absolve.

     When confessing your sins be specific and be brief (concise).  The priest-confessor doesn’t need to hear the background story to each sin.  Backstories too often serve to convince us that the sin wasn’t as bad as it sounds, they are also more often about how we were led into sin by the words / actions of another.  Think about it, if someone was asking your forgiveness would want to hear about either of these “excuses”?  Most likely not.

     Over the years, our Holy Father has made a point of encouraging frequent confession.  What is “frequent”?  I always tell our young people that in the Precepts of the Church, the Church requires us to go to confession once each year, typically as a preparation for receiving Communion at Easter which is also a precept.  So, we have to go once per year.  We have been encouraged by Pope St. John Paul the Great to go at least once a month.  In our Catholic school we attempt to cultivate this habit by providing the opportunity for our students to go each First Friday.  Finally, when we examine our conscience each night, we come to recognize very readily what our sins are.  When a mortal sin pops up or otherwise comes to our attention we know that we need to go as soon as possible; we also know it’s time to go (when it has been less than one month since our last confession) when our venial sins or a particular venial sin is popping up over and over again.

     Some have heard of the practice of going every two weeks and have wondered what that is about.  This practice comes from the requirement of going to confession within about a week before or after the grant of a plenary indulgence.  If we are in the habit of going every two weeks we are always ready to take advantage of a plenary indulgence offered.  Pretty awesome!

     But, what if I can’t think of any sins?  If you really, honestly can’t recognize ANY sins that should or could be confessed then you could make a Devotional Confession.  That is a topic for another time but if you want details ask me.

     A final note: Before you come to confession, pray to the Holy Spirit asking for His help and guidance as you make your confession.  You’d be amazed at how much better you remember the sins that need to be confessed and how much easier it is to confess them.

     Remember that through this pandemic I have been and will continue to be in the confessional during the times that weekend Mass would normally be said in each of our churches.  I am also generally available at St. Mary’s after I finish my morning Mass (8:00am) each day for about an hour and on Wednesday evening from 5:30-7:00pm.

Following are 20 Tips for Making a Good Confession put together by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf.  They are very good so read through them and take them into consideration as you prepare to make your Easter Confession.  Texts in red are my additional comments.

1.       Examine your conscience regularly and thoroughly.  In the Church’s spiritual tradition this is done each night.

2.       Wait your turn in line patiently.  I know! Sometimes this can be a penance all by itself.

3.       Come at the time Confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end.  This is especially important when confessions are scheduled before Mass.  When you show up just as the priest is supposed to be getting ready for Mass, you’re setting him up for all the people who are going to chew him out after Mass for not starting on time.

4.       Speak distinctly but never so loudly that you would be overheard outside the confessional.

5.       State your sins clearly and briefly without rambling.  Discussed above.

6.       Confess all mortal sins in number and kind.  Meaning you should know what “mortal” sin is.  If the priest asks how many times you did something that would be a pretty good clue.

7.       Listen carefully to the advice the priest gives.

8.       Confess your own sins and not someone else’s.  Again, discussed above.

9.       Carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure you understand it.  If the priest gives you a penance that you don’t think you can accomplish tell him so.  He will then give you something that you CAN do.

10.   Use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable.  Again, pamphlets containing the liturgical form are available outside the door of each of our parish’s confessionals.

11.   Never be afraid to say something “embarrassing”…just say it.  And don’t fumble about trying to figure out how to say it “right”…just say it.

12.   Never worry that the priest thinks you are a jerk…he is usually impressed by your courage.  Indeed! and gratified that another one of his sheep is taking the health of their soul seriously.

13.   Never fear that the priest will not keep your confession secret…he is bound by the Seal.

14.   Never confess “tendencies” or “struggles”…just sins.  Discussed above.

15.   Never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution.  Or before the liturgical form has been completed.  You’re missing out on some good stuff!

16.   Memorize an Act of Contrition.  This should follow your examination of conscience each night right before you say “good-night” to Mary (your last prayer of the day) and go to sleep.

17.   Answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification.

18.   Ask questions if you can’t understand what he means when he tells you something. 

19.   Keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like you do.  Sad, but true.

20.   Remember that priests must go to confession too…they know what you are going through.