YOUCAT*: Baptism does snatch us from the power of sin and death and brings us into the new life of the children of God, but it does not free us from human weakness and the inclination to sin. That is why we need a place where we can be reconciled with God again and again. That place is confession. [1425-1426]
On the opening day of World Youth Day, we visited Quinta da Boa Vista, a park in Rio de Janeiro which was host to the Vocations Festival. In one section of the park there were small makeshift confessional booths, at least 50. (Later that week, Pope Francis heard confessions from five young people there.) “That’s how important confession is,” I thought to myself, “that it is being brought out to where young people are.”
Pope Francis said in an April 2013 homily, “Going to confession isn’t like heading out to be tortured or punished, nor is it like going to the dry cleaners to get out a stain; it’s an encounter with Jesus, patiently waiting, taking us as we are, offering his tender mercy and forgiveness.” Our human weakness causes us to sin, so we are in constant need of reconciliation. The good thing for us is that Christ forgives and accepts us as we are. We can experience this when we go to confession.
#YearofFaith Challenge: Commit five minutes each day to examine your conscience. Go to confession at least once per month.
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
