Seeking Interior Peace? Try Confession!
A very interesting phenomenon: observing a person pass from a state of interior tension manifested by exterior tension to a state of peace and tranquility! Very often this is the case of a penitent standing in the line and preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confession, wherein tension is experienced. However, upon leaving the Confessional, having confessed and received absolution, interior peace radiates even from the very countenance of the person.
About 35 years ago, Mary Ann Budnik wrote a short but marvelous book on the Sacrament of Confession with the title, “Looking for Peace? Try Confession!” This mother encouraged the frequent reception of the Sacrament of Confession for the peace and sanctification of the family members.
Budnik made this astute observation! When there was mounting tension, pressure, as well as an increase of disagreements and quarrels among the family members, the conclusion was very clear: time for the family members (and this means all of the family members) to head for the confessional.
Undoubtedly, after each and every family member made a good confession, there would reign peace among the family members. This mother noticed this interesting occurrence.
Theologically this holds water and stands to reason. For this simple reason: among the several effects that sin produces are tension, turmoil, selfishness, pride, self-love and fights. A good Sacramental confession militates against all of the above negative fruits of sin.
This being said, an excellent proposal to fortify sanctity, harmony, love, peace and joy in the family, also known as the “Domestic Church”, should be the practice of monthly family confessions. From the Dad to the youngest member who can go to confession, all should make their monthly Sacramental Confession. Remember the title of Budnik’s book: “Looking for Peace? Try Confession!” Try it! It works! Why not today, priest of the family – the Father, decide upon a day and an hour every month and instill monthly confession as a habit for your entire family!
The Four C’s To Make A Good Sacramental Monthly Confession
Saint Josemaria Escriva Balaguer, coined a four-word catchy acronym to help us make a good Sacramental confession. Let us list the four and then we can explain them; even more important, let us implement them! Behold the four C’s to make a good Confession: 1) Clear, 2) Concise, 3) Concrete, and 4) Complete. Let’s explain them one at a time.
