This sacrament is otherwise known as the sacrament of Confession. Even in the Old Testament we are reminded that “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Prov 28:13). In these times it was taught that men should confess as to the way in which they have sinned, and the priest would then make atonement for them (Lev 5:5-6). This practice is carried on into the New Testament where we are told that “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds” (Acts 19:18). Indeed, Christians are specifically instructed: “confess your sins to each other” (James 5:16).
I have to be honest in saying that the thought of going to confession isn’t one that immediately fills me with joy. However, I also have to be honest in saying that afterwards, once again, I am always far more at peace with myself having confessed my sins, than I was beforehand.
I can also say with confidence that this truly is the Lord’s will for us. Some months ago, I had the opportunity to go to confession in Westminster Cathedral, London, and then attend mass immediately afterwards. To my unexpected joy, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit with me during that mass like never before; I felt a sturdiness that I’d never experienced in all my time lifting weights (and I lifted some heavy weights in my time). It was a very reassuring experience, and had the Lord for some reason wanted me to part the River Thames at that point in time; I would have at least given it my best shot!
Our Lady
Last but my no means least is the role that Our Lady – the Blessed Virgin Mary, can play in bringing us closer to the peace her son has to offer us.
Scripture tells us that from now on all generations will call Mary ‘blessed’ (Luke 1:48). Throughout scripture Jesus talks to His disciples and instructs His disciples as He intends to address us; it is through His dialogue with them that He speaks to us. Therefore when on the cross Jesus says to His disciple “Here is your Mother” (John 19:27) we know that He is not just talking to the disciple in question.
My strongest personal testimony for the role that Mary can play in bringing us closer to Jesus, is that until recently, on my walk to work in central London, I had the opportunity to spend 10 minutes in a church on the way. I used that 10 minutes in silent prayer to Mary, and I considered those 10 minutes the most privileged minutes of my day; there were no greater occasions of peace throughout my week. And in that time, though I wasn’t expecting to, I felt myself slowly developing in my relationship with Jesus; her one and only son.
Each and every Christian is called to follow the Ten Commandments. The Fifth Commandment is to “Honour your father and mother” (Ex 20:12). This includes our father and mother in heaven, as well as our parents in this world.
There are numerous resources on the web that expand on the sacraments and teachings of the Catholic Church. One of many such sites can be found here.
