IF ONE SIMPLY GOES THROUGH THE MOTIONS OF CONFESSION WITHOUT BEING PENETRATED BY THE FEELINGS OF CONTRITION, ONE HAS DONE NOTHING
Father Jean Viala had been part of the community preaching a parish mission in Greasque, France. Eugene was overjoyed by the news he was receiving of its success. One of the tangible signs of the success of any mission was measured by the numbers of people who came to confession.
I congratulate you for the good which, by the grace of God, you have already achieved and for that which you still have to do. I recommend that you insist a good deal on the instruction and on the state of mind necessary for the sacrament of Penance. This is the really important point. If one simply goes through the motions of confession without being penetrated by the feelings of contrition which must be present if the salutary effect of absolution is to be obtained, one has done nothing.
This is always my fear when I hear our missionaries say that they have confessed a phenomenal number of penitents. I have never managed, by a long way, to achieve the numbers quoted by our Fathers. Regret and firm purpose of amendment.
Letter to Fr. Jean Viala, 17 January 1849, EO IV n4
REFLECTION
The Oblate Missionaries laid much importance to the ministry of reconciliation as the first Oblate Rule of 1818 stated:
“The work begun in the pulpit has to be completed in the tribunal of penance. If grace has touched a soul by the strength of the Word of God, ordinarily it is in the tribunal of penance that grace moulds and justifies it.
Preaching, indeed, has no other end than to lead sinners to the pool of salvation…
It is beyond all doubt that the hearing of confessions is to be preferred to preaching, when there is room for choice, because the private direction and admonition given in the tribunal of penance may in a measure supply the place of instruction and preaching, whereas preaching can never take the place of the sacrament of penance, which was instituted by Christ our Lord for restoring men to the friendship of God.” (1818 Rule, Chapter 3, §2)
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There is such an incredible need for this Sacrament, and for those who will listen, and be a conduit to the love and ultimate freedom of those who enter into the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This sacrament demands of the priests great courage and even greater love as they sit and listen to others confessing their sins: stating their weaknesses and seeming failures. Reconciliation is not about judgements or control – it is about loving oblation and turning of one’s self over to God to be used by God and become an “alter Christus”. I remember a sign or the “Priest’s House” which read: “Open your hearts and allow the world to trample through.”
I struggle with the word “tribunal”, for it speaks to me of law and punishment more than of love, which I have witnessed with St. Eugene and his sons and daughters, and while some will be priests, many of us become loving listeners who share what a grace this Sacrament can bestow upon all of us.
A sacrament is never to be used as a weapon of some sort. It is a grace which allows us to throw off the chains of sin which have bound us.
“We will always be close to the people with whom we work, taking into account their values and aspirations. To seek out new ways for the word of God to reach their hearts often calls for daring; to present Gospel demands in all clarity should never intimidate us. Awareness of God’s power make s us confident as we strive to bring all people – especially the poor – to full consciousness of their dignity as human beings and as sons and daughters of God.” (C 8)
“With daring, humility and trust…” the grace that is bestowed on both in the confessional.