Why Confession Matters: Advent day Thirteen: 13/12/24
Hello! Welcome to day thirteen of our Advent journey together. Today we're delving into something that might make you feel rather anxious (trust me, we've all been there!) - Confession. But do stay with me, as this is actually one of the most brilliant gifts the Church, and ultimately Jesus, offers us. Think of it as the ultimate spiritual transformation or reset button. You know that lovely feeling when you've finally tidied your room after weeks of chaos, or when you clear out those random screenshots cluttering your mobile? That's just a small taste of the fresh start Confession offers.
As we're counting down to Christmas, whilst everyone else is fretting about finding the perfect presents or getting those Instagram-worthy decorations sorted, we're focusing on something far more meaningful - preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus. It's rather like getting ready for the most important guest ever to visit your home, except this guest knows everything about you and loves you unconditionally.
Understanding Our Starting Point
Let's be honest about what Scripture tells us about confession. These aren't merely ancient words - they're quite literally God's messages to us right now, in 2024, dealing with our modern challenges:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9.
Ponder this - it's rather like having a divine guarantee that no matter what's weighing on your heart (that row with your sibling, those words you said about someone, or that time you ghosted a friend), God's forgiveness isn't just a possibility - it's a promise. No questions asked, no small print.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
This is essentially God's version of "new phone, who's this?" It's not just about forgiveness - it's about complete transformation. Imagine if you could press reset on all the mistakes, regrets, and wrong turns. That's precisely what confession offers!
Now, let's discuss what St. Augustine said: "The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works." Let me explain this in today's terms: it's rather like when you finally admit to yourself that you've been procrastinating on that important project, or when you acknowledge that perhaps you've been spending too much time scrolling through social media instead of properly connecting with people.
Here's a modern way to think about it: You know how your phone starts lagging when you've got too many apps running in the background? Or when your telly queue is so full you can't decide what to watch? Sometimes we need to clear out the old to make room for the new. Confession is like having a spiritual clear-out. Just like clearing your cache makes everything run more smoothly, confession clears out the spiritual rubbish that's been slowing us down.
And let's be frank - we all have those things we're not proud of. Perhaps it's the way we sometimes treat our parents when we're stressed, or how we participate in gossip in the group chat, or even those moments when we choose to remain silent instead of standing up for someone. Confession isn't about beating yourself up over these things - it's about acknowledging them, letting them go, and making room for grace to work in your life. It's rather like having a fresh start, a new profile, a clean slate - but with the wisdom you've gained from your experiences.
Making It Real: Practical Steps
Here's how to make confession less daunting:
- Download a proper examination of conscience. See: The Beauty of Reconciliation
- Start small - perhaps focus on one area of your life you'd like to improve
- Remember the priest is there to help, not judge - they've quite literally heard it all
Today's Reflection
Take a moment to consider:
- What's one thing that's holding you back from feeling closer to God?
- How might your relationship with others improve after reconciliation?
- What would your best spiritual self look like?
Finding Your Own Path
This isn't about following a formulaic approach to faith - it's about discovering your authentic spiritual journey. Your relationship with God is as unique as your fingerprint, and that's precisely how it should be. The beauty of reconciliation lies in its deeply personal nature, where each person's path to renewal unfolds in its own meaningful way. Make this reconciliation experience your own, knowing that your individual story matters in God's grand narrative.
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to be completely honest with you, to open my heart without reservation. Help me see myself clearly through your loving eyes, love myself fully as your cherished creation, and trust deeply in your endless mercy and grace. Guide me with your gentle wisdom as I prepare my heart for your coming, and help me embrace this season of spiritual renewal. Amen.
Your Personal Invitation
Here's your challenge for spiritual growth: This week, do take a moment to look up when your local parish offers reconciliation and deliberately set aside time in your diary. Making this conscious choice to prioritise your spiritual well-being is the first step towards meaningful transformation.
God bless,
Mel
