The sacrament of Reconciliation, in other words, the confession, is the sacrament where we, the faithful, go to confess our sins to the Catholic priest who represents Christ in the confessional. It is a powerful sacrament whose importance can never be overemphasized. Confession is a sacrament of cleansing, where Christ shows us His infinite mercy and goodness. It is one of the sacraments we can receive repeatedly or as frequently as we wish or as is necessary depending on one's own situation or condition.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the Sacrament of new life instituted by Christ Himself. It cancels our death in sin and brings us to a completely new life in Christ. In order to communicate the importance of this Sacrament to us, Jesus waited and instituted this important Sacrament at the time that is about the most important stage in the salvation of man, after His resurrection. 

In the Gospel of John, we read: 

"19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

In this way, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation at His first appearance to the Apostles after He had risen from the dead. He gives the priest the authority to pardon us and absolve us of our sins.

In the confessional, the miracle of resurrection takes place uncountable times. This is the sacrament for sinners of all kinds. It is the sacrament we can approach even in a state of horrifying mortal sins. It is the Sacrament which sinners can approach without fear of reproach or desecration, even grievous sinners. Unfortunately, many faithful are quite reluctant of afraid to approach this life giving and life changing Sacrament that readily awaits to work the miracle of transformation in our lives. How wonderful it is and how blessed we are that our most compassionate Lord Jesus, out of His infinite and unfathomable mercy, has provided us this so beautiful, magnificent opportunity to return to life each time we die in sin while we live on earth. 

Why do we not avail ourselves of this beautiful grace of love and mercy? Why do we not go to confession as frequently as necessary? When was the last time you have been to confession? Why do you have to stay so long without confession? 

Yes, I know we are afraid that our parish priest who sees us as the living saint of the parish would shudder and tremble with fear if we confess our sins to him. We all are in the same situation. How many minutes' or hours' walk or drive is the nearest parish or Catholic Religious House to you. Find out when the confession is held there and go to receive pardon for your sins. There is great power of spiritual healing that flow from the hands of the priest during the absolution for our sins. Wait no more! Visit the confessional this week to receive complete pardon for your sins. It is free of charge. My last confession was eight days ago. I went to the confessional heavy, weary and depressed, but I came out light, peaceful, joyful and full of spiritual strength. Go! Wait no more!