Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Those who trust in themselves and in their own merits are, as it were, blinded by their own ‘I’ and their hearts harden in sin. On the other hand, those who recognize themselves as weak and sinful entrust themselves to God and from him obtain grace and forgiveness. What is most important is to make it clear that in the sacrament of penance -- whatever the sin committed -- if sinners recognize it humbly and entrust themselves to the priest confessor, they will always experience the soothing joy of God's forgiveness.” These were the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI in his March 7 audience with participants in a course taking place this week on the “internal forum,” organized by the tribunal of the Apostolic Penitentiary.
The Pope reflected on the fact that today there is “a certain disaffection for this Sacrament” and that our modern age is gradually “losing the sense of sin.” Benedict XVI exhorted his audience not to lose sight of what is most important, i.e. “the personal meeting with God, Father of goodness and mercy. The heart of the sacrament’s celebration is not in the sin, but in the mercy of God, that is infinitely greater than any of our sins. Pastors, and especially confessors, must emphasize the close link between the sacrament of penance and an existence decisively oriented toward conversion....so that the grace of the sacrament may support and nourish the commitment to be faithful disciples of the Lord.”
“When one confesses regularly, he maintains a yearning for evangelical perfection. If this incessant longing is lost, the celebration of this sacrament unfortunately risks becoming a formality which does not penetrate the fabric of everyday life. On the other hand, if people -- though animated by a desire to follow Jesus -- do not confess regularly, little by little they risk slowing spiritual rhythm until it weakens and perhaps even stops.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/3/2008; righe 25, parole 321)
