One reason we Catholics fear confession is embarrassment. Not just because we sinned, but also because of our sins. Revealing that we sin is tough but, revealing our sins is tougher. In this blog post, we will talk about confessing embarrassing sins. We will give you tips and ideas on how to confess this kind of sin.
Examination of Conscience
This is the first step when you plan to go to confession. Although some won’t practice it, this is essential specifically for beginners.
Examination of Conscience involves reflecting on one’s thoughts, deeds, or words to determine sins committed.
Coming up with a list of sins after reflection would organize the penitent’s mind, decluttering unnecessary matters that need not be addressed inside the confessional.
One way of doing an examination of conscience is writing downYou can also write a list of sins as if you are journaling.
This is an effective way of alleviating the anxiety.
Seek Spiritual Direction
After determining the sins, specifically the embarrassing ones, if you still feel anxious confessing them, seek Spiritual Direction.
Spiritual Direction is an interactive relationship between the Spiritual Director and Spiritual Directee, the former giving spiritual advice to the latter.
A Spiritual Director is anyone who can help you grow your relationship with God through proper guidance. For us Catholics, it can be a Priest, Religious Brother, or Sister.
Spiritual Direction can help those who have fear in the confessional through their sound advice.
If you don’t have a Spiritual Director yet, I highly recommend getting a Priest.
Since they are confessors themselves, they will understand you and give you ideas on how to confess embarrassing sins.
They can even hear your confession.
Just be honest.
Anonymous Confession
Going for an anonymous confession can also solve the fear of confessing sins.
Unlike in face-to-face, kneeling down behind a curtain is beneficial for the penitents who are scared of confession.
Anonymity eradicates the fear of judgment.
A confessing individual doesn’t have to be conscious of how the Priest reacts, making the whole confession smooth-flowing.
It also encourages penitents to be more honest and transparent. They will feel more comfortable mentioning their concerns. In return, they will receive objective advice.
Look at the Bigger Picture
Confession is just the means, we should look at the bigger picture.
Focusing on the goal, which is forgiveness, will give you the motivation to confess.
Absolution from the committed transgression, reconciliation with God, and spiritual cleansing to name some are the prizes you will receive from this Sacrament.
These rewards are just fulfilling that in a simple confession, one would achieve.
Practice Regular Confession
Lastly, confessing your sins on a regular basis can help you become comfortable with the process over time.
Once you try confessing your sins regardless if they are embarrassing or not, it will become a habit.
The next time you commit a sin, confessing it won’t be as hard as your first time.
Regular exposure to this process may gradually reduce your anxiety.
It will build your inner resilience and courage.
Conclusion
Lying, adultery, masturbation, fornication, and other sexual acts are just some of the common embarrassing sins one would usually fall into. Confessing these sins is one major reason why penitents shun the Sacrament of Confession. They fear judgment and humiliation because of their sins. As Catholics, we should not just focus on our sins but also on the rewards it can bring us in the long run.
So what are you waiting for? Stand up, follow the above advice, confess your sins, and reap the grace of the Sacrament.
That we may seek Christ’s mercy and forgiveness constantly in the Sacrament of Penance, Loving Mother, pray for us.