In the actual confession of our sinfulness to a priest, there is also a human feeling of being made free. In our letting go, God's healing grace renews us and by the humbling experience of admitting our sins to another, we are responding to God's call. A humble and contrite heart God will not spurn. Besides being at one with God, Jesus indicated that we need to be at peace with one another. Go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Sin is both personal and communal.
It affects me and my relationship with God. Practically, I cannot go to everyone personally and ask forgiveness, but the priest, as confessor and leader, represents the Church, the Community of Faith. In the experience of confession I am not only asking God to forgive me, but I am also asking the same from my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Faith in Jesus opens me to receive the sign of the Father's forgiveness, healing and love each time I confess my sins this way. For previously answered questions regarding the Catholic faith , click here.