As we continue through Advent, a listener asks about the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this liturgical season. Nick wonders, “Is Confession obligatory as it is in Lent? Or are holiday season penance services just making it seem like mandatory Confession is a seasonal thing?”
Father Dave first clarifies part of Nick’s question and says, “There’s not really any such thing as mandatory confession. The Church says that we should take advantage of the Sacrament Reconciliation at least once a year, or whenever we’re aware of mortal sin on our soul.” He explains how there used to be a custom of receiving the Sacrament as an “Easter duty” during Lent, but that is not Church teaching. Father Dave also reminds us of the definition of mortal sin, and that in order to commit one, “We have actually thought about it and chose to do it, and we were free to do it. We weren’t coerced.”
He explains how the Church gives people more opportunities to go to confession through penance services in Advent and Lent because it’s unlikely that we go a full year without committing mortal sin. However, we may need that extra push to go receive the Sacrament. Father Dave says, “A lot of times it’s our own procrastination or kind of trying to avoid God. And that’s why the Church is there to help and say, ‘Hey, don’t forget, this is available for you, if you think you need it.’”
He notes that Advent and Lent are both penitential seasons, and in December he personally sees a rise in those who wish to receive this Sacrament. “It’s a time of the year that Catholics, for whatever reason, have a heightened notion of wanting to connect to Church, to God, to God’s Spirit living within them. And what we believe is that, as we want to come more significantly into relationship with a God who is perfect love, we are aware of our own imperfection.”
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Father Dave explains the need for regular confession, despite the knowledge that we’ll sin again. “It’s like cleaning your shoes before you’re walking into somebody’s house that just got brand new carpets. You’re not just going to traipse all over there. God is like that brand new carpet, and us with our muddy shoes, or like us with our sins. Even though probably some other time in our life we’re going to step in mud again, before we walk in that house with a brand new carpet, we’re going to either wash our shoes or take off our shoes. Either is an appropriate metaphor for getting rid of the mortal sin that is keeping us keeping something between us and God.”
