If you know anyone who struggles with the church's teaching on confession, invite them to go to a 1st Reconciliation service. It is hard to describe what it is like to watch the faces of the kids as they walk out.
It's pure joy... freedom... they are practically glowing!
Jesus fulfills the promise He made when He invented Confession (Jn 20:21-23) and the experience of that grace is REAL! This photo is of my little penitent after she was washed with mercy!
She describes her experience here:
"January 16th was one of the most exciting days of my whole life, my first confession. I was nervous at first, but once I went in, I wasn't at all nervous. I knew that Jesus was here and he would forgive my sins.
The priest welcomed me and we made the sign of the cross. I told all my sins and prayed my Act of Contrition and soon my soul was clean.
After confession, my soul soared. I knew that no matter how hard it was for me to confess my sins, Jesus would help me, and thats all that matters.
While we were in the car going home, my Dad surprised us by going to Cici's pizza for lunch and Chuck - E - Cheese to play. We had breakfast for dinner and went to Dairy Queen and got dipped cones.
I want to keep my soul clean because then I wouldn't have very many sins. It was totally the best day of my life.