Why confession is good

Because it has been so trivialized, confession has lost its power and vitality. In our society today to confess is often considered foolish, weak, even corrosive to our self-esteem, unnecessary. What a naive understanding of how things really work, what people are really like.

The truth is that confession, as I seek to redefine it in my book and in this series, is wise and strong and necessary, unburdening both the soul and the psyche to live a forthright, productive, and fuller life. Confession is not only for those who have committed some great public or private "sin. When confession becomes a practice, a daily reevaluation of one's actions -- an art -- its power continues to grow, instilling a new sense of confidence, a vision of what life truly can be and hold.

Something as simple as a short, nightly reflection, which I present in a later blog, can sort out the chaff from the wheat of the day just past, clearing the mind right then, and setting the tone for the days to come.

Using confession to live honestly and consciously -- the goal in this book -- is an art to be learned and a skill to be practiced. It is neither an easy fix nor a heal-all. Our brash modern optimism assumes that all can be made well if we only will it to be so, but human behavior is complex, requiring deeper thought and actual, sometimes painful recalibration.

Confession is, quite simply, an attitude. It is the cornerstone of the intentional life, not merely a clearing out of the debris, that which is bad or wrong in us, but a realignment of what is best in us, an intention to live a better life. But you have to go to reap the benefits! Going to Confession regularly will truly change your life. Well, this verse is very applicable here: acknowledging the truth of your sinfulness before God and recognizing your need for His grace to help you become the person He wants you to be will really, truly set you free.

One might say: I confess only to God. That is why it is necessary to ask pardon of the Church, and of the brethren in the person of the priest. Shame is also good, it is healthy to feel a little shame, because being ashamed is salutary. Also from a human point of view, in order to unburden oneself, it is good to talk with a brother and tell the priest these things which are weighing so much on my heart. Rising infection rates in central and eastern Europe suggest a correlation between vaccine scepticism and populist politics.

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Our Columnists. Rent control and economists. Train advertising and reality. Is retrofitting really the answer? In the modern world, "we're forgetting how to interact face-to-face, to take the real risk of true vulnerability," he said. People instead describe bad days or missteps on social media, collecting some likes and comments and failing to reflect on how to move forward from a difficult situation.

Unlike writing about struggles online, speaking with a religious leader or a friend can be a reminder of the power of community, Piatt said. Practices like confession help believers bring their failings into an empowering new light. I can be a real jerk. But I am still worthy of unconditional love,'" he said. In spite of her perennial reservations, Perry said she tries to go to confession once every few months.

The habit also brings healing, Father Beloin said. Email: kdallas deseretnews. Start your day with the top stories you missed while you were sleeping. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.

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Catholic worshippers hold palm leaves as they wait for confession during Palm Sunday celebrations at the Cathedral of Mexico City, Sunday, March 24, Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.