Coffee and Confession

My brothers and sisters,

If anyone among you should stray

From the truth and someone bring

Him back, he should that whoever

Brings back a sinner from the error

Of his way will save his soul from death

And will cover a multitude of sins.  James 5:19-20

The readings for today are about reconciliation.  The letter from St James speaks to us about confession and the anointing of the sick.  The Gospel today speaks to us about the faith of children.  Jesus says to the disciples to let the children come to him.  St James tells us to repent and to confess which brings us to Jesus.  

This reading is timed very well with the Holy Father’s recent statements on confession. He urges all of us to seek out confession and to live holy and virtuous lives.  Men’s Health magazine once published a few years back a small tidbit about confession.  The short brief stated that men who confess their anxieties and concerns tend to be stronger emotionally and psychologically.  The magazine fell short because it did not call for the masses to seek out a priest but, rather, to be more open about what is on their minds.  

I was once out with coffee with some friends from my parish and we all seemed to feel the same way about the Sacrament.  As we’d wait for confession, we all seemed to be on the same line in that we would stand there shamed and feeling like we were unforgiven.  But at the end of the confession, we’d all feel like we were rejuvenated and ready to face the world.  On another occasion, I lived in a house with two roommates and we were all going to same Church.  One of my roommates had the brilliant idea that we should say the Hours together.  Given how late it was, we dimmed the lights, lit candles and prayed Night prayer.  During that prayer, it was suggested that in the examination of conscience/penitential rite, that we should each confess a sin from that day.  It was rather difficult to come forth with my friends in a quasi-confessional state and reveal one of my failings, but it did attach me far closer to my friends.  My former youth minister once told an anecdotal story of one of the most intimate moments he share with his wife.  He told us that they had gone to confession together.  

The reading from St James has many pieces to it that are just warming to my heart about the sacraments.  However, I would like to give my brief, layman’s reflection on the last part of the reading.  It speaks to the evangelical spirit of the believer.  I think that St James is asking us to be sure to look out for our brothers and sisters.  Though sacred scripture tells us that none are righteous, but if we are truly humble and loving, then the duty to call our brothers and sisters to repentance will not be overly burdensome.  

It can be as simple as a cup of coffee that can bring people back into the fold.  While not actively seeking out the sins of our friends, but rather, inquiring into one’s prayer life or asking if they are struggling can open up a conversation which draw a person back to Jesus.  The Holy Father said in his encyclical, Evangelii Gaudium, that Jesus never grows tired of forgiving us but rather it is us who grow tired of seeking his forgiveness.  The grace of Jesus can change behavior and change lives.  

Another thing of note is the courage to confess.  It does take courage to overcome the pride which may cause some to not want to go confession.  Friendship with Christ, empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, will allow us to seek out confession when we fail to love, serve and live as we should.  This strength will also help us to encourage our brothers and sisters to take and receive of the sacraments we well.  

Contrition has its roots in humility and love.  Christ loved us first and demonstrated for us true humility.  We can take his example and make it our own.  With a humble and contrite heart, may all of God’s people seek confession and him.