Categories: orthodox-life
Date: 01 April 2008 06:14:37
Is a wonderful thing. Particularly about struggles. And I find it particularly wonderful in the presence of an experienced guide.
I have finally got around to talking to my priest. It was to be Confession, but, due to where the discussion went and due to some issues that need further exploring, it was more of a 'spiritual guidance' and explanation session. Confession will come later: when I am at a point where I can confess openly and honestly about where I am and why -- and, by the grace of God, take steps to combat the passions that assail me.
A word about confession: I think it is easy to have a view of it that someone waltzes up to the priest, confesses, and the slate is wiped clean and they go away. I confess my original view was something akin to this. I am no expert in it, being a very poor partaker of this Sacrament [pray God this may change!], but I can say this is not the way it is practised. Confession is a tough Sacrament -- but one that is full of benefits for the person who takes the Sacrament seriously. As an overview, at the Sacrament of Confession you do not simply list a few sins and the priest pronounces you forgiven. You have a relationship with your confessor, whereby you do confess, to God in the presence of a priest [for God is the only one who can forgive sins], your sins: and your confessor seeks to get you to look at what lies behind these sins -- what is the actual sin or passion you are struggling with, and what has caused it. And then, what steps to take to combat these sins or passions -- how you can, by the grace and help of God, overcome them and live a life worthy of the name 'Christian'. And as continue in this Confessor / Penitent relationship, the Confessor is your experienced guide, who knows your struggles, weaknesses, limitations -- and seeks to help you overcome them.
I ask for your prayers as I look deeper into the struggles I have so that I may move forward. My thanks.