Do you trust Jesus as much as you trust yourself?
We live very busy lives. Adding another thing to our already busy schedules is rather difficult. Experiencing God’s infinite mercy in a personal way though, sounds like a great reason to add to our schedules. Yes, but what if it may cause us to be uncomfortable?
I am speaking of Confession/Reconciliation. Confessing our sins is uncomfortable. Searching through our lives for sins that we should confess is uncomfortable, too. Then, there is the time that it takes to go to Confession. Surely, we can just tell God our sins in the privacy of our own home?
Actually, no. That is not how Jesus established it; and with good reason. He created us and knows what is best for us. We need to hear that we are forgiven. The priest himself does not forgive the sins, but it is Jesus working through the priest. It is a personal encounter with Jesus’ mercy.
He wants to forgive us. He wants to tell us that we are forgiven. He uses the priest to do this. As we are forgiven our sins, we are even given penance to do in reparation for our sins. It may not make everything better, but it is our way of giving back to God for our offenses.
He is waiting for us. And this Year of Mercy is perfect for experiencing God’s infinite mercy.