Originally published at Churchpop
Are you falling into any of these mistakes?
Father Matias Jurado, a priest of San Bernardo Abad parish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, highlighted five common mistakes Catholics can make in confession.
1. Being lazy or superficial.
Confessing in a general way without going into details or minimizing sins. For example, saying “I’ve been bad” without being specific.
2. Justifying sins.
Making excuses instead of taking full responsibility, or explaining why the mistake was made instead of sincerely repenting.
3. Forgetting the intention of the sacrament.
Considering confession a routine or formality, rather than a personal encounter with God’s mercy.
4. Omitting serious sins out of shame.
Not confessing major sins for fear of being judged, which prevents complete reconciliation.
5. Not resolving to make a firm purpose of amendment.
Confessing without a true desire to change or avoid falling into the same faults again.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the effects of the sacrament of confession:‘”The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.’ Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation
