Isn’t it enough to be good?

Editorial Staff

I have made my mum angry again! Some time ago my parish priest invited to confession all the junior high school students who attend catechism (there are not many of us, actually). I did not really want to go to confession, because it was a sunny afternoon and I was thinking to meet my friends and also because I never know what to say to the priest. I am sure to be a good guy with a lot of friends who love me because they are always looking for me. Mum, on the other hand, has scolded me and for several days she has brought up the argument to persuade me to go to church. According to her, it is a matter of asking God’s forgiveness for what I may have committed at home, at school, with friends. But can’t I ask Jesus directly for forgiveness? Why do I need to go and tell a priest?

Max

My dearest, there are two things to clear up. First of all, if there are any aspects of your life you have to ask God forgiveness for. In this sense it is not a question of going or not going to confession, but to do a little soul-searching to see if there were any attitudes not adequate for a good boy like you, who also wants to be a good Christian. I think it is fair that you ask yourself if you have been faithful to a minimum of prayer, if you have done your duty at school and at home, if you are careful with your friends and gentle with the people you meet. If you have done your best, there is no need to go to confession. If not, then it is not enough that you say it directly to Lord Jesus in your heart. We Christians accept to recognize our mistakes in front of a minister of confession so that we can not only say our sins, but we can also be helped to improve ourselves. I hope you can always take advantage of the time with your friends and to do good things, but also to grow as a Christian. Also this requires a little time... to be given with joy.