Dusting off the Cobwebs

I have been doing some deep spring cleaning lately. I’m not always in a “cleaning mood,” but I know that it’s something that needs to be done, so I do it; and I involve the family in my spring cleaning, much to my husband and children’s chagrin. On Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, Salvation Army came and picked up close to 30 filled bags from our house for donation. (PSA: In many areas, Salvation Army will come to your house to pick up your donation so you don’t have to haul it yourself!) Before Salvation Army came, I had been collecting the bags in a corner of my bedroom. I moved all the bags to the curb to await their pickup and marveled at the now empty spot in the corner of the master bedroom. Immediately, I thought of how this was a visual of what the Sacrament of Reconcilliation does for your soul.


The week prior, my husband and I took the children to Saturday Vigil Mass a little early so that we could partake in the Sacrament of Reconcilliation. Currently, 3 out the 5 family members are old enough for this Sacrament. My husband and I are firm believers that when children watch their mommy and daddy walk into the confessional, that they will follow in their parents footsteps. Remember that as parents, one of our primary responsibilities is to raise children to participate fully in the Church.


As Catholics, we are required to receive the Sacrament of Reconcilliation at least once a year. (CCC 1457) But why do this only annually? I feel as though I could go to Confession every day. (True confession, I don’t go that often.) In my opinion, confession is like a mini-Spiritual Direction session. When I am absolved of my sins, my soul is cleaned out and the cobwebs are dusted off, just like the corner of my master bedroom. It is essential that we, the children of God, partake in Christ’s infinite mercy. Confession and reconciliation make us, and keep us, accountable of our sins. Accountability and responsibility are an important key to life; avoiding accountability and responsibility is essentially evil.


We are called to live upright and to represent Christ as His disciples at all times. We cannot possibly represent Christ if we can’t turn to Him, admit that we did wrong, and bask in His ocean of mercy.


Many are afraid of going to Confession and admitting their sins to a priest. I have two points to make about this. One, the priest is a minister of Christ’s peace; after making an ardent examination of conscience, your confession truly goes to Christ. Two, recall the words that Christ spoke, “Be Not Afraid.” Do you know how many times this phrase (or form of) is mentioned in Holy Scripture? 365 times. How many days are in a year? I don’t think that this is coincidence.


My friend, don’t ever be afraid of seeking Christ’s infinite, boundless mercy. Bask in it. Seek it out. Seek Him and He will find you.