Don't Let Fear Hold You Back

He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!") And immediately the man's ears were opened. // Mark 7:34-35

I stood nervously in line for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and dreaded each minute that brought me closer to my turn. It had been a long time since I had been to Confession, and there was one sin in particular that I struggled with that I was too ashamed to voice aloud, let alone to a priest. I considered turning around and leaving, but I knew I needed the healing touch of Jesus.

Like the deaf man in today's Gospel (Mark 7:31-37), for too long I had been deaf to the voice of God. Instead I listened to the evil one’s rationalizations that I knew what was best for me, just as Eve did in the garden (see Genesis 3:1-8). Also, like Eve, I realized that the temporary pleasure of sin was followed by shame and consequences. I had turned away from the One Who loves me the most.

Thankfully God’s mercy and the grace of conversion changed my heart, and I wanted nothing more than to love and serve Our Lord once again. As nervous as I was going into that confessional, I came out with tears of gratitude streaming down my face. I was able to pour out my heart and hear the cathartic and true words, “Your sins are forgiven.”

As we come closer to the season of Lent, now is the perfect time to prepare by cleansing our soul in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Don’t let fear or apathy stop you from the healing grace of the Sacrament. If you are nervous, ask a friend to go with you. If you are embarrassed to go to your parish priest, go to another church where you aren't known. If you are unsure of the procedure or what to say, this post should help.

Lord Jesus, help us to love the Sacrament of Reconciliation more. May we neither fear it nor take it for granted. May we approach You in the Sacrament with a humble and contrite heart. Thank You for Your mercy, my Lord.