Why did Jesus give us the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

By Pat Arensberg
For The Catholic Week
There is so much to talk about relating to Lent, but I want to talk specifically about confession.  Lent is a time to focus on our spiritual life and our own continuing conversion.  Significant to that end is us taking advantage of the mercy of God, especially in confession.
I want to ponder why Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the form that He did.  I am not questioning why Jesus gives us mercy, but rather why we receive that mercy by confessing sins and receiving absolution.  Is Jesus making it harder for us to encounter His mercy? 
It would be fair if God desired to make it “harder” to receive His mercy.  It might also be a good strategy to help keep us from sinning.  I have had many times when my defenses against sin were defeated by the enemy.  Sin was winning, but the thought of having to confess a particular transgression helped me resist.  Maybe this is why God wants us to confess our sins.
I sometimes examine my conscience and am ashamed of my sin.  I think shame can be a powerful tool of the devil.  He convinces us that sin is good and then attacks us for being awful sinners.  The evil one wants us to become convinced that we are our sin.  When we confess our sins it is clear that the sin is something we have done (and are responsible for), but it is not who we are.  The priest may emphasize this during confession.  Maybe this is why God wants us to confess our sins.
Sometimes when I go to confession I am feeling discouraged by falling prey to the same sins.  It is not uncommon for the priest to offer words of encouragement.  Sometimes I am too cavalier about my sins and I am challenged by the priest.  Maybe this is why God wants us to confess our sins.
Jesus gives us His mercy and He could have mediated that to us any way He chose.  I think He chose this because it is best for us.  We are not in this spiritual battle alone.  Confession pushes us to encounter the mercy of Jesus.  He gives us tools to help us grow.
It can be easy to allow the shame of sin to keep us from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but it is He who gives us this opportunity. Let us all unburden ourselves of the sins we have been carrying.  
 — Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected]. For more information concerning the events of this office, visit us at mobilefaithformation.org