I have been reading the Apostolic Exhortation of the Holy Father Francis to the Bishops, Clergy, Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful on the Proclamation of the Gospel in Today’s World mainly because it's being billed by liberals inside and outside the Church as an attack on capitalism. More on that to come, as there's a lot here to parse. In the meanwhile, some notes from time to time on other aspects of the exhortation.
As an adult convert to Catholicism, coming to terms with the Sacrament of Reconciliation has been one of my greatest challenges. I'm okay with the theology behind the Sacrament. But putting the theology into practice is tough. Confession is hard and painful. You come to grips with the parts of yourself you like least and then have to tell another about them, all the while fearing his judgment or condemnation (even though that's pretty rare these days).
So I was struck by what Pope Francis had to say on the subject:
I want to remind priests that the confessional must not be a torture chamber but rather an encounter with the Lord’s mercy which spurs us on to do our best. A small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God’s saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings.
Let's hope that sinks in.
