Related Articles
“Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23)
Introduction: Confession, a Divine Gift in Crisis
In the modern world, where moral relativism and secularization are advancing rapidly, the sacrament of Penance (or Confession) is undergoing a silent crisis. Many Catholics, though believers, avoid this merciful encounter with God due to three spiritual enemies: fear, shame, and sloth.
These obstacles are not new. Since the time of the Church Fathers, the devil has sought to keep souls away from sacramental forgiveness. But today, in a society that promotes self-sufficiency and the rejection of guilt, these enemies have grown stronger.
In this article, we will delve into each of them, explore their theological roots, their impact on spiritual life, and—most importantly—how to overcome them with God’s grace.
1. Fear: “What Will the Priest Think?”
The Root of Fear
Fear of confession often manifests in different ways:
- Fear of the priest’s judgment.
- Fear of not being forgiven.
- Anxiety about forgetting sins.
This fear does not come from God, for He is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4). Rather, it is a trap of the enemy to keep the soul away from grace.
The Response of Faith
Jesus instituted Confession not as a tribunal of condemnation but as a spiritual clinic. The priest acts in persona Christi—in the person of Christ—who came not “to condemn the world, but to save it” (John 3:17).
How to Overcome Fear:
- Remember Jesus’ promise: He already knows our sins and still calls us to repentance.
- Trust in the seal of confession: The priest is bound, under penalty of excommunication, to absolute secrecy.
- Start simply: If anxiety is overwhelming, one can say: “Father, I’m afraid to confess; please help me.”
2. Shame: “I Don’t Have the Courage to Say My Sins”
The Trap of Shame
Shame is perhaps the most common obstacle. Since the Fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has experienced this feeling after sin (Genesis 3:10).
But there is a key difference: Adam hid from God, while the prodigal son ran back to his Father (Luke 15:20). Shame can be healthy if it leads to repentance, but it is harmful if it paralyzes us.
The Humility That Sets Us Free
St. Teresa of Ávila said: “Humility is truth.” Acknowledging our sins does not make us small before God—it makes us authentic. The devil wants us to believe our sins are “too grave,” but God’s mercy is greater.
How to Overcome Shame:
- See the priest as a doctor: We are not ashamed to tell a doctor our symptoms; likewise, the confessor is there to heal, not to judge.
- Meditate on the Cross: If Christ died for our sins, how could He refuse to forgive us when we confess them?
- Use a confession guide: Helps organize thoughts and avoid mental blocks.
3. Sloth: “I’ll Confess… Later”
The Danger of Spiritual Procrastination
Spiritual sloth (or acedia) is a capital vice that leads us to postpone good. Many say: “I haven’t killed anyone; I don’t need to go to confession often.” But the Catechism reminds us that “every sin, even venial, must be fought” (CCC 1863).
St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, said: “Sin is the dagger with which man wounds God.” If we let sins accumulate, the heart hardens.
The Urgency of Conversion
God calls us “now,” not tomorrow. “Behold, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
How to Combat Sloth:
- Set a regular schedule: For example, go once a month.
- Remember death: “Memento mori” (remember you will die). We do not know when our last chance will be.
- Ask a spiritual friend for help: Someone who encourages us to go to confession.
Conclusion: Confession, an Encounter of Love
The sacrament of Confession is not a formality but a Father’s embrace. Overcoming fear, shame, and sloth requires faith and determination, but the reward is immense: peace of soul and renewed friendship with God.
As St. Josemaría Escrivá said: “One who confesses well is filled with joy.” Let us not allow these three enemies to rob us of grace. Let us run to the confessional! Mercy awaits us.
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
Questions for Reflection
- Which of these three enemies (fear, shame, sloth) affects me the most?
- When was the last time I confessed with sincerity and joy?
- What practical steps can I take to go to confession more frequently?
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Refuge of Sinners, obtain for us the grace to love this sacrament and approach it with trust. Forward, without fear!
