Confession: The Father’s Embrace, the Physician’s Art, and the Craftsman’s Patience
(A Full Pastoral and Practical Reflection for Priests and Fathers)
Today, I stand before you, not as one who teaches, but as one who reflects with you — one who labors with you in the vineyard of souls entrusted to our weak hands by the strong mercy of God.
We have gathered to reflect on one of the most sacred responsibilities placed upon us by our ordination: the ministry of Confession.
Not merely the hearing of words, not merely the uttering of absolution, but the profound spiritual duty to heal, to restore, and to labor for the rebirth of every soul that enters our confessional.
Today, I would like to speak heart-to-heart about how we are called to live this sacrament as:
- Fathers who embrace,
- Physicians who heal,
- Craftsmen who patiently shape souls,
- And how we must guard the sacredness of confession from confusion with mere counseling, always nurturing true repentance, practical healing, and spiritual joy.
1. The Priest as Father: The Embrace of Tenderness
“But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, NKJV)
St. John Chrysostom teaches:
“The confessor must not be a roaring lion, but a father with tears in his heart.” (Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 3, PG 57:31)
Even if their confession is messy, incomplete, or hesitant, we must first welcome them with a heart that rejoices over even the smallest return toward God.
Our role is not to terrify, not to humiliate, not to sit upon a throne of judgment — but to open our arms wide, and kiss the returning soul with the compassion of the Father.
2. The Priest as Physician: The Art of Healing
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17, NKJV)
St. Augustine teaches:
“He who confesses seeks the medicine; he who hides his wound perishes from it.” (Sermon 392, PL 39:1711)
We must diagnose the sickness carefully, apply the medicine wisely, and heal with patience — never worsening the wound by harshness or negligence.
It is not we who heal — it is Christ through us.
3. The Priest as Craftsman: The Patient Formation of Souls
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:24–25, NKJV)
St. Gregory the Great describes the priest beautifully:
“The priest must be a craftsman, carving out the vices and polishing the virtues.” (Pastoral Rule, Part 3, Chapter 8)
Confession is a lifetime labor. Many souls will confess the same sins again and again. Growth is slow and often hidden. We must not grow tired but continue with patience, perseverance, and prayer.
4. Pastoral Challenges in Confession
A. Storytelling Instead of Confessing
Some come and tell stories — about family, work, or friends — but do not confess their sins.
Set the tone lovingly:
“Beloved, in confession, we open our own heart before Christ. We do not recount the sins of others, but seek healing for our own struggles.”
If storytelling begins, gently guide:
“I hear your pain. But now, let us turn inward: What in your own heart needs to be confessed and healed?”
- How did your heart respond?
- Was there anger, bitterness, judgment?
- Where do you seek Christ’s mercy?
B. Repeated Sins Without Progress
Many confess the same sin repeatedly.
Encourage perseverance:
“Falling does not mean failure. Perseverance in repentance is precious in God’s sight.”
Offer a small spiritual exercise:
| Struggle | Spiritual Exercise | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Anger | Pray Psalm 4 each morning | “Be angry, and do not sin.” (Psalm 4:4, NKJV) |
| Impurity | Read Matthew 5–7 daily | “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NKJV) |
| Gossip | Pray: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.” | (Psalm 141:3, NKJV) |
| Despair | Write three blessings each night | “In everything give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV) |
5. Confession vs. Counseling: Protecting the Sacrament
Confession is sacramental. Counseling is pastoral care.
| Aspect | Confession | Counseling |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To confess sins and receive absolution. | To seek advice, guidance, emotional support. |
| Focus | Personal repentance before God. | Life struggles and emotional needs. |
| Result | Forgiveness of sins. | Emotional healing and advice. |
If someone shifts into discussing marriage or life problems, gently say:
“Beloved, confession is for the healing of our own heart. Let us schedule a pastoral meeting outside of confession to discuss these matters.”
6. Helping the Faithful Prepare: Self-Examination Before Confession
Encourage self-examination before confession:
| Area | Question |
|---|---|
| Hearing | Have I listened to gossip, impurity, evil advice? |
| Speech | Have I lied, insulted, mocked, or judged? |
| Sight | Have I looked at impure things, envied, judged appearances? |
| Thought | Have I harbored impurity, hatred, pride? |
| Deeds | Have I acted unjustly, selfishly, immorally? |
| Relationship with God | Do I pray sincerely, confess regularly, fast faithfully, love humbly? |
7. The Priest Must Also Confess
“The holy man counts himself the first among sinners.” (St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 25)
If we cease confessing, we cease being true fathers. Let us renew our own repentance — privately, sincerely, and faithfully.
Conclusion: The Joy of Heaven
“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7, NKJV)
May God grant us:
- The heart of the Father,
- The wisdom of the Physician,
- The patience of the Craftsman,
- And the humility of the Penitent.
To Him be all glory, honor, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.