People have asked me why Catholics go to confession so often. Why not go directly to Jesus and be done with it they ask?
I could give you a really long theological answer for why Paul tells James we should confess our sins to each other, how confession restores our friendship with God by washing clean any of the stains we’ve received since our baptism, how the devil actually loves it when you don’t confess them at all or better yet confess them to someone who tells you they’re not a big deal at all. But the simple answer is: because I fall short of holiness every day and I trust Jesus when he said to his disciples after breathing on them His Spirit in the Upper Room, “What sins you forgive shall be forgiven.” John 20:23
I imagine that is why Catholics do it so often and with regular attention. Because nothing in the world revives the soul more than hearing those words coming from the “other” who is dawning upon his shoulders the royal authority of Jesus. Like the paralytic, my soul rejoices each time I hear the words of Jesus coming from the lips of the man with the royal purple stole, “Take courage; your sins are forgiven you.” Mark 2:9
I’m so thankful to all the men who have answered Christ’s call to become Confessors. Without you so many would not have this grace of Jesus working in their lives. Thank you for your willingness to become His priests and extend breath to all those who seek Him.
Wherever I see the fruit of repentance in abundance, I know the Spirit of the Lord is breathing upon it and the bones will rise!
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:16
📸 Thank you Mary TV for these beautiful photos. Although not able to be present in body for the 40th Anniversary I am with you in spirit! Come Holy Spirit 🔥🔥🔥
