Lenten Confession

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The pre-Easter period of atonement, Lent, is upon us with the distribution of ashes this past Wednesday. The Catholic Bishops recently have encouraged Catholics to attend confession regularly during the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter and have asked parish priests to make confession more available, particularly by hearing confessions at designated times on Friday evenings. Considering the Catholic Bishops appeal to Catholics to revisit the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I will advocate for this sacrament as vital to Catholic Christian pilgrimage.
A fundamental goal of pilgrimage is conversion. For Catholic pilgrims that means an inner reconversion, a return to God with one's whole heart and soul. Baptism was our first conversion. It washed us free of sin and we received God's graces. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are able to renounce our sins and renew our relationship with God as He is all merciful and welcomes us back to His graces. As in the " parable of the prodigal son", we are welcomed back by God without reservation.
I have heard that confession is losing its favor amongst many Catholics. Yet almost every Catholic, even those who have stopped participation in this sacrament, will attest that making a good confession of their sins and receiving absolution was experienced as a sense of forgiveness. They felt spiritually renewed and often recommitted themselves to lead holier lives. Most of us feel a need to confess our sins and receive God's forgiveness. Of course, one can confess privately to God by saying an act of contrition but when we go to confession, we receive sacramental grace.There is an understanding that the Catholic priest who hears our confession, does so in the person of Jesus Christ. He sets us free of sin in the light of Christ to renew God's plan for us.
I advise New Mexico Catholic pilgrims to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, particularly during Lent. Go often to receive God's graces. If it has been a long time since one's last confession, and you don't know where to start, just ask the priest to help you. He will spiritually direct you. If necessary arrange a private appointment with a priest for the purpose of confession. There is reason for humility in receiving this sacrament. If Catholic Christian pilgrimage entails conversion to God's graces, the Sacrament of Reconciliation may begin that process.                                                                                                                                                                                                              For further perspective on Catholic confession please link to Father Robert Barron's video below:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                     

           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cun9F-XCang&feature=player_embedded