Families Benefit When Kids Go to Confession

One of our kiddos is receiving his first Reconciliation this weekend, so we did a child's examination of conscience after dinner. As we walked through each commandment, saying it out loud, then talking about what sins we might commit that would violate that particular commandment, I had an epiphany moment. My sweet son started to tell us what was on his conscience, and we were all joyfully silenced by his pure repentance - and that's just it. The pure repentance, the clarity of conscience from children draws us to Jesus more deeply. My son's perfect repentance made me want to go to confession as well, made me want to be cleansed and renewed, made me want to draw nearer to Our Lord, and it downright made me crave the Grace of Reconciliation.

But what am I saying? Jesus said it best, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Mark 10: 14-15

What has prevented me from bringing my children to confession more often? While we perceive children are young and therefore innocent, while they are young, receiving this Grace is for them, and for sure, we ALL need the Grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation! Let's make a point to let the children of God (including ourselves) go to Jesus in the confessional and receive the Graces we need!