Why Go to Confession

By Archbishop Bruno Forte (Boston, MA: Pauline Books and Media, 2007). Archbishop Forte was frequently asked, "Why do we have to go to confession?" So he decided to write a book to answer the question.

 

First Archbishop Forte tackles the myriad of questions people ask. Does sin even exist? If it does, why should I talk about my personal sins, many of which shame me, with a priest who is a sinner, too? Why can't I go directly to God and have Him forgive me?

 

Archbishop Forte clearly and patiently explains the stages of forgiveness and discusses our personal encounter with God Who became a person so that we could see, touch, listen to, speak with, and know Him. This is the God Who meets us in the person of the priest who hears our confession and absolves us of our sins.

 

A beautiful meditation on the parable of the prodigal son (an image of which is featured on the book cover) leads the reader to understand that God is not only just and terrifying but that He is also merciful and loving. Indeed, God's love and mercy overpower His justice, for God sent His Son to earth to save sinners, not to condemn them.

 

The book uses several Scripture passages and the Ten Commandments to provide an examination of conscience prior to going to confession. It also shares one of Charles de Foucauld's prayers of abandonment to the Goodness Who is God. The Act of Contrition concludes the book.

 

This beautiful little book, which is easy to read, is a wonderful  resource for those who are trying to show others the benefit of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Its length and tone have an appeal for even the most resistant readers. You might want to ask your parish priest if you could leave a copy of this book on your church's literature table or you may wish to give a copy to someone who has been away from confession for a long time. Your prayers, coupled with your sharing of this book, may convince someone to enter the confessional and be reconciled, as Archbishop Forte points out, with God, the Church, the neighbor, and ones self.