Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 239 - Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 239 - Part I. What are the positive effects of confession?

(Youcat answer) Confession reconciles the sinner with God and the Church.

A deepening through CCC   

(CCC 1468) "The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship" (Roman Catechism, II, V, 18). Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation "is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation" (Council of Trent (1551): DS 1674). Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true "spiritual resurrection," restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God (Cf. Lk 15:32).

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The second after absolution is like a shower after playing sports, like the fresh air after a summer storm, like waking up on a sunlit summer morning, like the weightlessness of a diver. Everything is contained in the word “reconciliation” (from a Latin verb meaning “to bring back together, to restore”): we are at peace with God again.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1470) In this sacrament, the sinner, placing himself before the merciful judgment of God, anticipates in a certain way the judgment to which he will be subjected at the end of his earthly life. For it is now, in this life, that we are offered the choice between life and death, and it is only by the road of conversion that we can enter the Kingdom, from which one is excluded by grave sin (Cf. 1 Cor 5:11; Gal 5:19-21; Rev 22:15). In converting to Christ through penance and faith, the sinner passes from death to life and "does not come into judgment" (Jn 5:24).

(This question: What are the positive effects of confession? is continued)