Now that we are in the midst of the Lenten season, it's fairly common knowledge that many people have pretty much eliminated this sacrament from their lives –perhaps not consciously, but simply pushed it aside. Let's face it. It's not easy to admit our sins, and it's even harder to confess them to another person, even if it is a priest. I can only assure you that every priest, including myself, must confess his sins to his brother priest.
In some ways it may seem a burden. And yet, to be truthful, there is hardly anything more adult and mature that we can do than face our own faults and sins. Some may say, "Well, I just go directly to God." But my question is: Do you actually examine your conscience, sit down quietly, confess your sins to God, and ask forgiveness?
As difficult as this can be, it is one opportunity to actually ask ourselves how we have acted towards our families, spouses, and those around us.While I might call myself a Catholic, have I done what I need to do in living my faith? Lent is a perfect time to give honest answers to these questions.
How we approach the reception of God's mercy is important. We are God's children. We come to the father to ask his forgiveness through the mercy of Jesus given by the ordained priest. It's not just ritual.
Simple Steps to Receiving the Sacrament
Thanks be to God. Leave the confessional and thank God for his forgiveness and pray the prayers the priest gave you for a penance.
Now, a very important point. When God forgives sin through the absolution of the priest, he forgives ALL our sins, including those we cannot remember. We need to be sincerely sorry for all our sins.
Fr. Antonius David Tristianto, O.Carm.
St. Anne's Church
1 Tung Tau Wan Road
Stanley, Hong Kong
Office Hours:
Sunday 8:30-1:30
Tue-Fri 9:00-12:00, 1:00-6:30
Closed on Statutory Holidays
Tel: +852 2813 0206
Fax: +852 2813 6908
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