What is that feeling?

It’s not something you can really describe to someone. 

The moment you receive Absolution from the priest in confession. 

When he says ” and your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit, Amen ” 

Something changes inside of you. Is it a lightness? A feeling of gratefulness maybe?   A sense of peace?  But whatever it is, it is very real. 

We call it a “Signal Grace”, because it is a clear and present sign of Christ in our lives. It’s not a physical sign, no, but every bit as much real. 

We confess our sins. But it is not the “Sacrament of Confession”. It is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I love that notion. It is our choice to sin, the things we have done or failed to do. And sin separates us from God. We all know that feeling. When your prayer life is low, when you just can’t seem to say a prayer. You go through the motions. 

That’s why I love the beauty of reconciliation. By seeking out the confessional we are the ones who are trying to reconcile our lives with Him. Isn’t it amazing that He is always waiting for us, with open arms, with joy that we returned.

I think that is why we have that feeling afterwards, we can feel His joy.

One of my greatest memories is watching each of you go to confession and come out, one by one “with souls as white as snow” !!  Smiles all around.