Catholics frequently associate the sacrament of reconciliation with Good Friday — the day when Christ died for the sins of the world.
On the March 15 episode of “Practicing Catholic,” Bishop Michael Izen, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, presented a nuanced take on the sacrament.
Christ instituted the sacrament of reconciliation not on Good Friday but at Easter, when he appeared to the Apostles and breathed on them, Bishop Izen told producer Kayla Mayer. Bishop Izen said that fact changes how we might view the sacrament.
“Sometimes we associate confession with darkness and (like it is) something to fear. But it’s just the opposite. It’s a fresh start. It’s a new life,” he said.
Bishop Izen explained Church teaching about the state of grace and what happens in the soul when sin occurs.
“To be in a state of grace, your soul is in union with the Lord in the sense that you’re in communion with him,” he said. “Sin separates us from God and so mortal sin really separates us (from God).”
Bishop Izen referenced the story of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11–32).
“Just like the father in the parable, he doesn’t just forgive his son, he throws him a party,” he said. “His mercy is great. He just wants us to turn to him.”
The bishop urged those who are considering going to reconciliation to remember that the priest, like Christ after the resurrection, is “bringing peace; he’s not bringing judgment … He doesn’t start saying, ‘Why did you guys all leave me on Good Friday?’ He goes right to peace.”
Bishop Izen said that Christ’s breath over his Apostles is significant. The only other time in Scripture when God breathed over man was at his creation.
“When he breathes life into Adam, he’s breathing new life,” he said.
Bishop Izen said that in the same way, reconciliation brings about new life in the penitent.
“You’re going to feel so much better when you unload (your sins),” he said. “You never have to be afraid.”
To hear Bishop Izen explain Church teaching about reconciliation as well as what it is like to go to confession as a bishop, tune into “Practicing Catholic” when it airs at 9 p.m. March 15 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, or when it repeats at 1 p.m. March 16 and 2 p.m. March 17.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes a discussion with two leaders of the St. Paul-based Catholic Athletic Association about their mission and upcoming 75th anniversary. Also, Deacon Gordon Bird and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers discuss the upcoming Archdiocesan Men’s Conference.
Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.
