Why Do Catholics Confess Sins?
transition is extremely important to make. First, how can I be sorry for a sinful nature? How can I be repentant for being sinful when I inherited it? This is like apologizing for being human or having brown hair. I can’t apologize for these things; they just are. On the other hand, I can be sorry for and repent of the concrete, actual sins I commit because with God’s grace I have the ability to do better next time. I am sorry I belittled my child and pray I will never do it again. I cannot be sorry for being born a human with a fallen nature. Knowing actual sin makes repentance possible. Second, my understanding of the tragedy of sin increases. I can see firsthand that when I am sarcastic with my wife it hurts our relationship and my relationship with Christ. I can see the damage sin does in my life and the world around me. The horror of sin becomes real. Third, I can more effectively avoid sin. Now that I see the consequences of sin; I will desire more to avoid it. Also, knowing what
