Confession: more than a private conversation

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

As Christians reach the mid-point of the Lenten season, Msgr Esau Joseph, a Missionary of Mercy, says signs of spiritual awareness remain visible—even as modern culture grapples with what he describes as a growing moral numbness.

Missionaries of Mercy are priests, diocesan or Religious who have been commissioned by the Holy Father to give particular emphasis to the duty shared by all priests to hear Confessions and preach on behalf of and promote the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“I would say generally there is still a sense of sin. We see this especially during the Lenten period,” Msgr Joseph said in a recent interview.

Yet he cautioned that over the past century, that awareness has weakened. “Since the last century, it has been observed that there is a gradual loss of the sense of what is morally wrong. This is becoming more widespread in the modern world,” he said.

He pointed to concerns raised by past pontiffs, including Pope Pius XII and Pope St John Paul II, who spoke of what he described as a “numbness” or diminishment of the conscience and a general lack of remorse.”

“Things that were considered morally wrong are now widely accepted by the society,” he said.

According to Msgr Joseph, secularism and relativism are key drivers of that shift. “Secularism, for example, where there is a loss of a relationship with God, and relativism, where morality is subjective and influenced by cultural and societal influences. Some persons believe that there is no universal moral or ethical principle that exists.”

That shift, he added, may be reflected in fewer Catholics turning to Confession as a means of reconciliation with God.

Addressing a common question: whether Confession is simply a private conversation with God or akin to therapy, Msgr Joseph was clear.

“Confession or the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the sacraments instituted by Jesus. In this sacrament, sins committed are forgiven. A sacrament is a normal channel of the grace of God to the soul,” he said.

He referenced John 20, when Jesus, before the Ascension, breathed on His apostles and conferred authority to forgive sins. “The power to forgive sins did not cease with the death of the apostles. His mystical body, the Church, continues the work of Jesus. The priests are the ordinary ministers of the sacraments.”

He explained that penitents are called to show genuine contrition, “a sorrow of sins because of the love of God”, along with “a purpose of amendment and a resolution to avoid sin with the grace of God, not only to avoid sin but the occasions of sin.”

A meaningful Confession, he said, requires an examination of conscience since one’s last Confession, identifying areas of sin.

The practice, he noted, is rooted in early Christian tradition. Church fathers such as St Augustine and St Cyprian testified to the confession of sins and forgiveness granted by priests, which he said was necessary for regaining God’s friendship.

“Priests are representatives of Jesus who exercise the power of absolving sins through the power of the Holy Spirit. When someone frequents the sacraments, God’s mercy, and love and tenderness and compassion is experienced in a real tangible way,” he said.

Reaching the youth

Asked whether today’s youth are rejecting Confession or whether the Church has failed to communicate its importance, Msgr Joseph emphasised catechesis.

“Repeated teachings on the benefits of Confession and Reconciliation would encourage both youth and adults to make regular and frequent use of this holy sacrament,” he said.

Msgr Joseph described Lent as a providential moment for renewal.

“Lent is a penitential period that highlights the suffering of Jesus for the sins of the world. The Sacrament of Reconciliation complements the discipline of prayer and fasting and almsgiving. It’s a great opportunity to experience a renewal, healing and a preparation for the Easter celebration,” he said.

Echoing the prophet Joel’s call to conversion, he added, “As we celebrated on Ash Wednesday, it is an opportunity, as the prophet Joel would say, to return to the Lord.”

He also referenced the Gospel account of the prodigal son, who returns home saying, “Father I have sinned,” and is met with compassion and celebration.