A definite precarious position that you were placed in.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. (Luke 8:17)
The “face to face” method of confessing makes me confront my sinfulness with an increased focus upon God’s Grace which helps to strengthen my faith.
God already knows me and my sins. “I can run, but I can’t hide.”
This realization doesn’t lead to me to endless guilt but helps me to recognize that no one is beyond God's reach, fostering humility and compassion for others.
I know that I am NO Saint Paul, and if he could say, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
Then, the question becomes: Where am I in my posture to holiness and alignment to God’s will?
The answer is easy to see.
I need confession.
Thanks for sharing!
God bless us and keep us safe from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen!
Whoa! That was an interesting situation! You handled it very well in spite of the awkwardness of the whole ordeal but God somehow stayed you from doing what most people would have done to shift priest's attention to the correct penitent. Thank you for sharing this and as usual it worth the read for inner reflection and spiritual growth.
May God Bless you Patrick, great story, as difficult as it is to convince teens, family members, and friends to go to confession, the part of your story where the priest has a sudden case of amnesia will certainly help convince those in need. Thank you Patrick 😇🙏🏼
Patrick! I felt that one! I wish I could say I would have handled it like you. But, I would have found the Priest and told him it wasn’t me. I would have told him I do have sins but, that one particular sin, God had spared me from having. I am impulsive like that. So I know I wouldn’t be able to leave without telling him. You are a good man.
That's incredible self-control, Patrick. It can only come when you are detached from the opinion of others and comfortable with all possible misperceptions. It's not easy getting to that place, believe me. To only care what God thinks and no one else must bring incredible peace. I hope I get there some day. Thanks for the inspiration, Patrick.
I always loved the closed confessional boxes ,where the priest could not see your face ,I would feel less embarrassed!!!…but now I feel it’s better to look the priest in the eye and confess everything 🙏 There is nothing,these men of God ,haven’t heard before….Great story Patrick 🙏👏❤️☘️
“A sign of true humility is when a man takes upon himself the blame for the sins of others.” From The Ladder of Divine Ascent by Saint John Climacus, a desert father
A definite precarious position that you were placed in.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. (Luke 8:17)
The “face to face” method of confessing makes me confront my sinfulness with an increased focus upon God’s Grace which helps to strengthen my faith.
God already knows me and my sins. “I can run, but I can’t hide.”
This realization doesn’t lead to me to endless guilt but helps me to recognize that no one is beyond God's reach, fostering humility and compassion for others.
I know that I am NO Saint Paul, and if he could say, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
Then, the question becomes: Where am I in my posture to holiness and alignment to God’s will?
The answer is easy to see.
I need confession.
Thanks for sharing!
God bless us and keep us safe from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen!
Whoa! That was an interesting situation! You handled it very well in spite of the awkwardness of the whole ordeal but God somehow stayed you from doing what most people would have done to shift priest's attention to the correct penitent. Thank you for sharing this and as usual it worth the read for inner reflection and spiritual growth.
Not sure how I would have reacted in the same situation; maybe moved to another parish? 😅 You did the right thing! May God continue to bless you.
May God Bless you Patrick, great story, as difficult as it is to convince teens, family members, and friends to go to confession, the part of your story where the priest has a sudden case of amnesia will certainly help convince those in need. Thank you Patrick 😇🙏🏼
Patrick! I felt that one! I wish I could say I would have handled it like you. But, I would have found the Priest and told him it wasn’t me. I would have told him I do have sins but, that one particular sin, God had spared me from having. I am impulsive like that. So I know I wouldn’t be able to leave without telling him. You are a good man.
That's incredible self-control, Patrick. It can only come when you are detached from the opinion of others and comfortable with all possible misperceptions. It's not easy getting to that place, believe me. To only care what God thinks and no one else must bring incredible peace. I hope I get there some day. Thanks for the inspiration, Patrick.
https://dennisjernst.substack.com/p/the-mystical-miracle-matrix?r=6a72yx
I always loved the closed confessional boxes ,where the priest could not see your face ,I would feel less embarrassed!!!…but now I feel it’s better to look the priest in the eye and confess everything 🙏 There is nothing,these men of God ,haven’t heard before….Great story Patrick 🙏👏❤️☘️
This made me think of a quote..
“A sign of true humility is when a man takes upon himself the blame for the sins of others.” From The Ladder of Divine Ascent by Saint John Climacus, a desert father
Thank you for sharing!!! God bless & peace to you. You set a wonderful example for us to follow.
Wowz ‼️🙆♀️ I don't know that I would've even looked at the Priest. Self control is hard 🙏