by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.

Q U I C K S C A N

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Why do we have to confess to a priest?
Is a priest burdened by everyone’s sins?

Readers reflect on Friar Jack’s musings

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ (and later developed as the Church grew and matured in its understanding of what Jesus gave to it), it is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Penance as we called it years ago) that causes so much consternation and uneasiness. Actually, it is very understandable that telling our faults, let alone our sins, to another human being could be embarrassing and even cause fear. Let’s face it: We don’t like to reveal negative secrets about our lives. After all, what will be thought of us? How many have said, “Oh, Lord, why can’t I just confess my sins to you and be done with it?”

In order to answer these questions, we simply have to admit that as far as our faith is concerned, Jesus himself gave us this sacrament of forgiveness. He gave it specifically to his apostles and their successors to be his ministers of God’s mercy. “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:22-23). So, if Jesus gave this sacrament to us, then we have to deal with our uneasiness.

I can assure you that as a priest of 43 years I consider my role as a confessor as a most sacred one. I am awed that God would choose me to be his minister of absolution: “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Next to the words of consecration where the priest in the place of Jesus (but only through the power of Jesus) changes bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, the words of absolution are the most powerful words any priest can speak. They are humbling because I, too, as a priest, must go to my brother priest, kneel down and say, “Bless me father, for I have sinned,” asking God’s forgiveness.

Why do we have to confess to a priest?

Jesus gave us this sacrament in this way because he knew we NEEDED it. We say it would be so easy to just tell God we are sorry, and of course, we should do that as often as we sin. But we are a family of God, and, whether our sins are against ourselves or another persons, we need the “sign of reconciliation” with God and with each other. Reconciliation in no way implies that God’s mercy is difficult to obtain. Nothing is easier. Rather it is to give us assurance of that forgiveness of God. That assurance comes from the authority and voice of the priest whom Christ has chosen as his representative.

It is interesting to note that people seem to want to tell others of their faults, looking for some kind of “Oh, it’s o.k., don’t worry.” For many the bartender is one who listens to tales of sin and betrayal. Everyone from a person’s best friend to a total stranger in the next seat can become a kind of “confessor.” How many times have we felt compelled to “get something off our chests” and find somebody we can tell all to? It’s human nature, and who gave us our human nature? God himself.

Is a priest burdened by everyone’s sins?

But what does the priest think about hearing all those sins? Well, let me tell you something that I think most, if not all, priests would say. In more than four decades of hearing confessions (probably 35,000 or more) I can truthfully say I really don’t remember anything anyone told me. That’s true. What I do remember is the joy of forgiving sins and encouraging people to begin anew and to realize that God never stopped loving them no matter how badly they believed they failed God. And I remember the sense of relief and certainty that penitents felt as they returned to their pew in Church to thank God. (To be continued next month.)

Friar Jack’s Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jack’s musings on “Creating a World of Greater Unity and Justice.”

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you for your reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King. I was very young when he marched, but I have seen the pictures and have heard the speeches. I can’t see how anyone can not be moved by his words. He changed the world even if it doesn’t seem like it at times. He was like Jesus. And reflecting on him reminds me of when I was working as a homecare nurse for an African American young man who was very handicapped. His pastor from his church would come and visit. Before he left the young man, his mother, the Reverend and myself would hold hands and pray. It was so moving to think we were from different cultures and faiths, but at that one moment were were one. Thanks again for your e-mails and reflections. Keep up the good work. Katherine

Dear Katherine: Thanks for sharing that wonderful “ecumenical moment.” We just know in our hearts, don’t we, that the Spirit wants to lead us toward Christian unity, and to the unity of the whole human family. Friar Jack

Dear Friar Jack: I have been reading your column and want to thank you for the good, insightful articles. I am not Catholic: I attend a Baptist church, but have found your column to be very helpful and nourishing. Many things about Catholicism interest me and I am drawn to a lot of the liturgical leanings of the Church as well as teachings dealing with solitude and silence. Anyway, thanks for putting your thoughts on the Internet for folks like me to access. Peace of Christ, Andy

Dear Andy: Thanks for your supportive words. You reveal the Internet’s potential to be a tool of the Spirit in building Christian unity and fellowship that transcends denominational borders. Peace to you and all our readers! Friar Jack

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