6 Misconceptions About The Sacrament Of Confession

My view on the Sacrament of Confession has changed so much throughout the years. From my innocent years to my more challenging experiences, my understanding has deepened about the sacrament that has often been feared, misjudged or taken for granted by many.

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC 1422)

This sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ for sinners so He may meet our contrition with His abounding mercy and love.

It is here where sinners may be reconciled with the Father who awaits them with open arms.

Why The Misunderstanding?

If this sacrament is abounding with blessings and graces from God, why then do so many people fear it or have negative impressions about it?

Perhaps it’s because of a lack of proper catechesis, wrong impressions from the media or personal experiences that have failed to live up to the true intentions of this sacrament.

Here are some of the misunderstandings about the Sacrament of Confession:

1. You will encounter perfect priests

Nowhere does it say that priests would be perfect. While they were especially ordained to forgive sins with the authority given by Jesus Christ, not all of them are saints and most are still in the process of perfection. They are human beings just like us who can make mistakes, who can be tempted and who may not always know the right words to say to comfort every grieving heart.

Approach the sacrament with trust but approach it with awareness that although you will be meeting God. Although the priest is imperfect, Christ truly works through the sacrament and through the ministry entrusted to the priest.

Believe in the forgiveness promised by God. And forgive also your fellow human beings.

2. You need to have perfect contrition

Some people may not approach the confessional because they may feel that they haven’t felt sorry enough. Because of this, they miss the wonderful graces God is offering through the sacrament.

Know that perfect contrition is not required to go to confession. On the other hand, by experience, I realized that the sacrament itself helps bring you towards true repentance for your sins.

“The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.” (CCC 1453)

3. Confession is the same as receiving spiritual guidance and direction

Confession is a holy sacrament where you are forgiven for the sins you are sorry for. In the process, some kind of guidance may also take place. Penitents may inquire about a particular sin. Or the priest may offer some advice.

But you are not obliged to tell more than is necessary (outside of your sins) or to make long conversations on other matters with your priest. All talk must be in support of the sacrament and towards making a way for repentance to meet the mercy and forgiveness of God.

4. Penances are for punishment

The word “penance” seems to indicate some form of punishment. Hence, the common misconceptions and fears associated with it.

God’s forgiveness is a free gift of mercy, not something we earn through punishment. The penance given after absolution helps us cooperate with grace, seek healing, and repair the harm caused by sin.

“Many sins wrong our neighbor. One must do what is possible in order to repair the harm (e.g., return stolen goods, restore the reputation of someone slandered, pay compensation for injuries). Simple justice requires as much. But sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself, as well as his relationships with God and neighbor. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused. Raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his full spiritual health by doing something more to make amends for the sin: he must “make satisfaction for” or “expiate” his sins. This satisfaction is also called ‘penance.’” (CCC 1459)

“Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 (NRSVCE)

5. Sins cannot be forgiven before confession

God has granted the sacrament of confession for our sake, but that doesn’t mean that He can never forgive us our sins outside of the sacrament.

Venial sins are not required to be confessed (although we are encouraged to do so for our spiritual growth).

Even mortal sins may be forgiven before reaching the confessional through perfect contrition — sorrow arising from love of God above all things — provided the person intends to go to confession as soon as possible.

“When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.” (CCC 1452)

6. Confession is not Biblical

While God can forgive us outside the sacrament of confession, he desired to give us the sacrament as a regular and sure means of being forgiven. This is especially true for mortal sins, which ordinarily must be confessed sacramentally in order to restore the life of grace in the soul.

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” – John 20:21-23 (NRSVCE)

The Fountain of God’s Mercy

God’s mercy is immeasurable. He wants us to turn away from sin and live a life of holiness and love. Through His mercy and wisdom, He gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation to reconcile us to Himself.

He did not give us this sacrament to hurt us or belittle us. He gave it as a remedy for our ailing souls and broken hearts.

Remember the Father who welcomes back the prodigal son with open arms. And remember Jesus, who did not condemn the woman caught in adultery.

He is also there for us, awaiting our return. Let nothing prevent us from falling back into the arms of His great love.

“And if people are hurt, what does Jesus do? Scold them because they are hurt? No, He comes and He carries them on His shoulders.” – Pope Francis

“’Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’” – John 8:10-11 (NRSVCE)

Jocelyn Soriano is the author of the book Defending My Catholic Faith.

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)