We know well the institution of the Eucharist, but do we study the institution of confession? Follow its origins through Scripture with this selection from A Year With the Bible!
The Institution of Confession
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
-John 20:19–23
Consideration
How often do I receive the sacrament of Confession? Do I neglect this wonderful gift that the Lord has given to me through the ministry of the priesthood?
Prayer
I give you thanks, Lord, for your precious gift of the sacrament of Confession. Your mercy endures forever.
Christ Gives the Apostles the Ministry of Reconciliation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
-2 Corinthians 5:17–20
Consideration
Yes, I confess my sins directly to God, as I should, but do I also seek reconciliation with him through the sacrament of Confession, as Christ directed?
Prayer
Lord, you know how many and great are my offenses against you. Have mercy on me, and humble me so that I will not fear or hesitate to confess my sins to the priests, whom you have entrusted with the sacred ministry of reconciliation.
The Solemn Duties Entrusted to Bishops and Priests
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
-1 Timothy 4:11–16
Consideration
God has entrusted bishops and priests with a grave and weighty responsibility to defend and care for the Church. When they die, each must render an account of how faithfully or unfaithfully he discharged his sacred duty. I resolve, therefore, to assist them with my prayers and encouragement.
Prayer
Lord, I pray that you would bless and sustain each and every bishop, priest, and deacon of your Church. Grant them clarity of mind, an abundance of grace, persistence in carrying out their appointed work, and courage to boldly teach the truth, regardless of human respect.
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This article is taken from a chapter in A Year With the Bible by Patrick Madrid which is available from TAN Books.
