Non‑Catholics often say you don’t need to go to confession. You can simply confess privately to God. Catholics do that too, but speaking sins aloud and hearing absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation is freeing.
A few weeks ago, I felt prompted to go to confession. Preparing for the first time in years, I did an examination of conscience, a prayerful review of thoughts, words, actions, and omissions in the light of God’s law. Most online resources point to the Ten Commandments or Seven Deadly Sins, so that’s where I began. As I reflected, I wrote everything down so I wouldn’t forget.
Catholics confess because Jesus instituted a sacramental way for sins to be forgiven. In John 20:22–23, He gives the apostles authority to forgive sins: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them; whose sins you retain are retained.”
Confession offers:
- Certainty of forgiveness; not just hoping God forgives, but hearing “I absolve you.”
- Grace to change and the strength to resist future sin.
- Accountability. Speaking sins aloud builds honesty, humility, and responsibility.
- Healing through counsel, encouragement, and mercy.
Catholics confess to God through the sacrament Jesus gave them. Private prayer asks for forgiveness. Sacramental confession receives it.
