The sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift from God, not a punishment.  Too many people say, "Do I have to go?  I think God forgives me without going to confession."  These are just excuses that keep us away from the sacrament.

In Baptism we were washed clean of sin, but we were left with our human weaknesses.  When we sin, our souls once again become stained.  How can we return to our baptismal state of grace? Reconciliation.  In that sacrament our souls are again washed clean and it is as though we had just emerged from baptismal waters.  Though are baptized only once, we can receive Reconciliation time and time again.

Sin is never a private affair.  Look at how the sin of Adam and Eve affected our lives!  Our sins affect not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us.  In Reconciliation, we seek mercy not only for the ways that we have sinned against God, but against the Church as well.

In John 20 we see Jesus empowering the apostles with the ability to forgive sins in His name. Today's apostles are our priests.  When they speak the words of absolution at the end of the sacrament, "I forgive you of all of your sins," they are speaking in the person of Christ!  Only God can forgive sins, and He gave this ministry of reconciliation to the Church for our benefit.

The priest is there to forgive, not condemn.  He is there to say the words of Christ: "Your sins are forgiven."  In our walk with Christ, we can perform actions that sever our relationship with Him, known as mortal sins.  Only through the sacrament of Reconciliation can we be restored to His grace. Lesser sins, known as venial sins, can be forgiven through prayer and receiving the Eucharist, but Reconciliation brings added grace to those wounds as well.

The sacrament of Reconciliation heals our souls. Through confession our sins are forgiven, and we receive grace and advice to help overcome those sins in the future.  Bishops suggest that we receive Reconciliation every month to help us live holy lives.

As you grow closer to Christ, you will start to realize sins in your life that you never noticed before. You may feel powerless to overcome them on your own.  It is for that reason we have the sacrament of Reconciliation to forgive us, heal us, and empower us. Don't be afraid to receive it rejoice! It's a gift. (See prayers on how to go to Reconciliation.)