I think one of the things that constantly surprises and delights me about confession is to kind fo blind side me with spiritual insights that are so unexpected. Many years ago a young priest came to our Parish who I developed a friendship with. My own spiritual path has been heavily influenced by the Carmelite Tradtion which is heavily embedded on understaning the Road to Prayer. I was very surprised when in confession this priest asked me about my realtionship with Scripture. Hebrews 4:12 God's Word is Living and Active 12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. You know in just a few words this young priest opened a whole new world, a new spiritual vista to me. Simply by asking how I related to scipture. I just love this surprise element to Confession. Such a gift.
http://www.padrepio.catholicwebservices.com/ENGLISH/Confess.htm A man once went to St. Giovanni Rotondo to confess to Padre Pio. It was between 1954 and 1955. When he finished the accusation of his sins Padre Pio said: "Do you have anything else to confess?" and he said, "No Father!" He repeated the question: "Do you have anything else to confess?" "No Father!" For a third time Padre Pio asked him: "Do you have anything else to confess? At this third negative answer the hurricane exploded. With the voice of the Holy Spirit Padre Pio howled: "Go away! Go away! Because you are not reformed of your sins!" The man was also petrified because of the shame that he felt in front of so many people. Then he tried to say something but Padre Pio said: "Keep silent, gossiper, you have spoken enough; I now want to speak. Is it true that you go to discos?” "Yes, Father." "Do you know that dancing is an invitation to the sin?" The man was surprised and he didn't know what to say: he had the membership card of a disco in his wallet. The man promised not to commit any other sins and after a lot of effort he received absolution.
I wonder what Padre Pio would have thought of some of the Liturgical dancing we have looked at lately.
In reply to your quip about being allowed to assess, Jesus did not ask the woman caught in sin if anyone had judged her. No, he asked if anyone had condemned her. Maybe this is too complicated for Francophobes.
It probably is a bit complicated for me Joe. But I dont hate the French people. [they are a little arrogant though]
Lol....... Francisphobics or VatIIphobics or Popephobics doesn't sound quite right. I forgot Franchophobes referred to the French. Poor old Aviso probably thinks I was having a go at him when I just used the wrong word.
