Redland Catholic

Confess Your Secret!

A few weeks ago, a local "megachurch" called Lifechurch launched a website where you can confess your secrets.  I heard my know-it-all liberal co-worker talking about it today (he's a theologian now, apparently).  He talked about how all of the posts there were more about sexuality (um, which part of the site was he perusing?) and complained that no-one said something like "I passed by a homeless guy and didn't give him any money," then the usual liberal rant about how Jesus didn't actually say much about sex but preached generosity and tolerance, etc, etc.  Jesus did have a few things to say about sexual sin (MT 15:19) and called people to conversion (Jn 7:11).  But that's not the point of this little post.

I see problems with this website - not the least of which is the lack of anonymity.  How can a person be certain that someone they know won't see the post and recognize him?  The disclaimer on the website says there may be adult content.  Could this website lead people into sin and gossip?

I am very grateful that we have the sacrament of confession.  It can be completely anonymous or face-to-face with the priest, and we have the assurance of being absolved of our sins.  It is a beautiful sacrament.

Speaking of confession, it's time for me to mark my "confession" post as featured.

I will try to post more on my visit with the Little Sisters of the Poor soon.

Reminder - Got Confession?

Many churches have a priest available to hear confessions Saturdays at 3pm (some at 3:30) - the hour of mercy.  If you haven't been in a long time - GO!  Catholic Exchange had a good article on confession Friday (the 21st) and another excellent one on Thursday, July 27th.  Fr. Z. has some good tips at Catholic Online, along with an examination of conscience that will help discern between mortal and venial sins.  Check out http://www.masstimes.org for specific times for confessions at a church in your area or check your church bulletin or web site. 

Tip from me - take a holy card or something with an Act of Contrition that you can read from.  I have two different ones memorized and my brain "blue screens" when I get to that part!  Remember God loves you and waits for you with open arms.

*UPDATE* I have tweaked this post a little and will mark it as "featured" on Saturdays as a reminder to any Catholic readers out there.  Image is of Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son.

I confess...

Not too long ago, one of my non-Catholic co-workers (well, they're all non-Catholic), was talking about his church.  He mentioned that the people at his church think he's going to Hell, I suppose because he and his wife lived together before they were married.  I remember thinking "That's one cool thing about being Catholic, you can go to confession and move on." 

Then I thought "Soooo, why haven't I been going?"

I've been going pretty regularly ever since.  I can't say that I "feel" any different.  I'm certainly no less of a sinner than I was before!  The difference is now I know it.  I suppose that's the point.  We can't comprehend the mercy of God unless we realize how unworthy of Him we are.  Fr. Richard Rego writes "The more we recieve the Sacrament of Penance, the more we understand our own helplessness and human weekness...our complete dependence on the Savior" (see A Contemporary Adult Guide to Conscience for the Sacrament of Confession p.39).  I remember flipping through the channels one night when I couldn't sleep and I came across one of those evangelical religious channels (you know, the one with the funny lady with purple hair).  Mr. T was on, and I stopped to watch, cuz, well, he's Mr. T!  Anyhow, he was talking about sin.  He basically said there are sinners who have sinned and want to change, and there are sinners who have sinned and don't want to change.  Knowing you've sinned, and wanting to change is half the battle.  Then with the help of God's grace and the intercession of Our Lady, we can work to change our sinful ways. 

It's hard not to get discouraged sometimes.  But God is patient.  In my case, I have some weaknesses that are hard to overcome.  I have to remember that each day is a new chance to do His will, keep trying, and go to confession when I stumble - or fall on my rear! 

The image is of Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son."