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In fourth-century Milan, a brilliant professor named Augustine had it all — fame, influence, and sharp intellect. But inside, he was trapped. His attachment to sexual sin kept him from fully following Christ.
Then one day, a friend named Ponticianus shared how he had given his life to Jesus. Augustine felt the sting of shame — why couldn’t he, with all his talent, surrender as his friend had?
In a moment of anguish in his garden, he heard children chanting: “Take and read, take and read.” He picked up St. Paul’s letters and read: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14)
In that instant, light flooded his soul. He turned from his sin, was baptized, and became one of the Church’s greatest saints. His Confessions is still one of the most-read books in history.
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Why Repentance Matters
Repentance means turning away from sin and toward God. It’s not a one-time act, but a way of life for every disciple.
The Catechism says it’s a “radical reorientation” of our whole life — ending sin, turning away from evil, and returning to God with all our heart (CCC 1431).
We all need it — from the “big sins” like Augustine’s struggle with lust, to the smaller but daily ones: pride, gossip, selfishness, impatience.
But three things often hold us back:
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Rationalizing our sin – “I’m not that bad.”
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Fear of change – “Lord, make me holy… just not yet.”
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Despair – “God could never forgive me.”
The truth? God never tires of forgiving us — we are the ones who tire of asking (Pope Francis).
Confession: Where Mercy Meets You
Confession isn’t just about telling God you’re sorry — it’s where Jesus Himself, through the priest, forgives you and gives you grace to start again.“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.” (John 20:22–23)
Why go to a priest?
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God uses people as instruments — just like He used Moses or Elijah, He uses priests to bring His mercy to you.
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Speaking your sins out loud helps you face the truth and experience the joy of hearing: “I absolve you… go in peace.”
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Confession doesn’t just forgive — it heals. God’s grace strengthens you to fight temptation in the future.
How to Start
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Find a time – Check your local parish schedule. Many offer weekly or even daily confession.
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Prepare your heart – Use an Examination of Conscience to help you reflect.
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Go regularly – Once a month is a great rhythm for growth in holiness.
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Bring a friend – You can encourage each other to keep coming back to the sacrament.
Discussion Starters
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What’s one thing keeping you from confession right now?
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Which of the three obstacles — rationalization, fear, or despair — do you most relate to?
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How has confession brought you peace in the past?
Take the Next Step
Jesus doesn’t want you stuck in sin. He wants you free, joyful, and living fully alive in Him.
If it’s been a while since your last confession, make a plan:
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Pick a date in the next week or two.
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Look up the times at your parish (or a nearby one).
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Prepare with prayer and an examination of conscience.
And remember St. John Chrysostom’s advice: “Be ashamed when you sin. Do not be ashamed when you repent.”
Additional Resources
Find more on confession here on the FOCUS blog:
And here are some great resources on confession:
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