A Concord Pastor Comments: A dozen reasons NOT to go to Confession this Lent!

Lent is a penitential season when we're encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that is: to go to confession. Some folks look forward to doing this - others, not so much! Many just don't think they need to go. Whatever group you find yourself in, I'm pleased to offer you: A Dozen Reasons NOT to Go to Confession:

1) Your natural tendency to love God in all things and to love your neighbor as yourself causes you to walk about an inch off the ground on an invisible cloud of holiness.

2) Your husband/your wife never tires of telling you what a perfect spouse you are.

3) Your faithfulness in getting yourself and your family to Sunday Mass is often mentioned by your pastor as a model for all Catholics.

4) You've been so faithful in honoring your mother and father that they’ve asked you to loosen up a little and enjoy yourself once in a while.

5) You've been so generous in helping the poor that you no longer can afford transportation to get to church for confession.

6) You speak to God in prayer so often that he sometimes asks if he can put you on hold for a few minutes.

7) You're so well known at school as an honest, hardworking and friendly student that you're often called to the Principal’s Office to offer your advice on school policy.

8) Your purity in thought, word and deed has been awarded a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

9) You're so honest that you once felt guilty about stealing second base.

10) You're so completely content with what God has given you that winning the lottery would pose a moral dilemma prompting you to ask that another number be drawn.

11) Your efforts to be just and make peace (in your home, at work at school) have won you a nomination for the Nobel Prize.

12) You already come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation so often that coming in Lent would unnecessarily lengthen the line of others waiting to go to confession.

On the other hand, if these twelve reasons don't describe you and your circumstances, you just might want to consider availing yourself of this sacrament in preparation for the celebration of Easter. (In my parish: on Saturday, 4:00-4:30 and on Tuesday nights in Lent, 6:30-8:00 p.m.)

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