Why must I confess my sins to a Priest? Is this practice Biblical? 

By Mukama Philip Kahigiriza,

RELIGION

Confessing sins to a Catholic priest is a practice rooted in Catholic theology and tradition. The belief is that the sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession, is a means of receiving forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. According to Catholic doctrine, this sacrament is based on the authority given to the apostles by Jesus, as described in the Bible.

The primary biblical basis for the sacrament of reconciliation can be found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 21-23. In this passage, after His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and says to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” He then breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Catholics interpret this passage as Jesus granting the apostles the authority to forgive or retain sins. They believe that this authority has been passed down through the apostolic succession to the bishops and priests of the Catholic Church. Therefore, when a Catholic confesses their sins to a priest, they are seeking the forgiveness of God through the priest, who acts as a representative of Christ and exercises this authority.

Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is an important aspect of the Catholic faith that involves the confession of sins to a priest. According to Catholic doctrine, the practice of confessing sins to a priest serves several purposes:

1. Spiritual Healing: Confession is seen as a means of receiving forgiveness and spiritual healing. Catholics believe that through the sacrament, they can experience God’s forgiveness and be reconciled with Him.

1. Accountability: Confession provides a structured way for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and be accountable to God and the Church community. By confessing sins to a priest, Catholics acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek guidance and support in their journey toward spiritual growth.

1. Guidance and Counsel: The priest acts as a spiritual guide, offering counsel, advice, and encouragement based on their training and understanding of the faith. They can help individuals reflect on their actions, understand the consequences, and provide guidance on how to avoid sin in the future.

1. Seal of Confession: Catholic priests are bound by the Seal of Confession, which means they are obligated to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding the sins confessed to them. This confidentiality allows individuals to speak openly and honestly without fear of their sins being disclosed to others.

It’s important to note that in Catholicism, while confessing sins to a priest is highly recommended, it is not the only means of seeking forgiveness. Catholics also believe in the power of directly confessing sins to God through prayer, as is done during the penitential rite at Mass.

However, the sacrament of confession is considered a valuable and effective way to experience God’s forgiveness and receive the guidance and support of the Church community.

© Mukama Phillip Kahigiriza