YOUCAT Question n. 235 - Can I make a confession even if I have not committed any serious sins?
(Youcat answer) Confession is a great
gift of healing that brings about closer union with the Lord, even if, strictly
speaking, you do not have to go to confession.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 1458
a) Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial
sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church (Cf. Council of Trent:
DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2). Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps
us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed
by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently
through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be
merciful as he is merciful (Cf. Lk 6:36): Whoever confesses his sins… is
already working with God. God indicts your sins; if you also indict them, you
are joined with God.
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) In Taizé, at Catholic conferences, at World
Youth Day celebrations—everywhere, you see young people being reconciled with
God. Christians who take seriously their decision to follow Jesus seek the joy
that comes from a radical new beginning with God. Even the saints went to
confession regularly, if possible. They needed it in order to grow in humility
and charity, so as to allow themselves to be touched by God’s healing light
even in the inmost recesses of their souls.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 1458
b) Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities: when you hear "man"
- this is what God has made; when you hear "sinner" - this is what
man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he
has made.... When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your
good works are beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works.
The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth
and come to the light (St. Augustine, In
Jo. Ev. 12, 13: PL 35, 1491).
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