Nobody wants to take on all the junk in other people’s lives. Some people want to hear all the gossip; I was never even big on that. Plus, a priest needs to take on the sins of the penitents and suffer with them not just hear them like celebrity gossip. I don’t enjoy hearing your junk.
For that reason I was not looking forward to hearing confessions as a priest. I figured I would do it to help out others – as a service or act of charity. Kind of like a guy who accepts a job below his dream job to pay the bills and support his family. Or maybe like disciplining children or changing their diapers as a necessary sacrifice involved in parenting.
I looked forward to celebrating mass and preaching but not to this. I decided I would do it to help the souls that come even if it were a small sacrifice.
My experience the first months has been the exact opposite. Confession has become a highlight of being a priest. Instead of seeing junk, I always see God’s mercy. I actually want to hear confessions and look forward to the opportunity.
About a month into being a priest, I was at a conference and someone asked me for confession so I sprung up to go offer them this grace. A mutual friend sitting beside was impressed. I was a little taken back since I figured at the very least it was my duty – even if I didn’t enjoy it that much.
Beyond just the joy of confessions, this experience led me to one other reflection. God always sustains us if we follow his path. It can be tough but somehow his grace sustains us when we think we’re going to be completely helpless – especially where we feel helpless.
If anyone sees me in person, don’t be afraid to ask for the sacrament of reconciliation. Unfortunately, it can’t be done online.
