The Confessor His Conditions, Gifts, and Work
The Confessor His Conditions, Gifts, and Work
Not every priest has the special gifts of a father of confession.
A successful father of confession is sought by people from everywhere. His spiritual children become very numerous, not only from the church he serves, but from many churches, and perhaps from other countries.
Certain qualities are required of him; we will mention here some of them.
- He must be experienced with souls.
Experienced with the human soul in general, and with the soul of the penitent in particular. According to the nature of the penitent’s psyche he deals with him. A woman’s psychology is not the same as a man’s. The psychology of a boy is not the same as that of an adolescent, nor that of a mature man, nor that of an old man. The psychology of the sick is not the same as that of the physically healthy.
A person may go through particular circumstances in which he is in a special psychological state different from his usual condition, and needs treatment suited to his state.
Therefore the spiritual remedy that the confessor prescribes for one sin is not the same for all penitents.
- The confessor must know how to distinguish between a spiritual state and a psychological or mental illness.
- The penitent who is sorrowful in repentance for his sins is different from one afflicted with depression; the two must be distinguished.
- Likewise he should distinguish between tears that seek to evoke pity and tears that arise from genuine repentance.
- One who complains about the treatment of family and friends may be sincere in his complaint. He is not necessarily afflicted with a persecution complex.
- One who sins out of ignorance is different from one who sins out of frivolity and indifference.
- The confessor must know how to distinguish between a spiritual person who loves solitude and withdrawal, and an introverted person who hates society and does not know how to deal with people.
- Likewise, the confessor should be knowledgeable about the landmarks of the spiritual path.
So that he can guide people in it with knowledge and wisdom. Also step by step, away from the leaps by which some attempt to reach quickly and without foundation. And also away from the negligence by which some delay without justification or excuse.
He must know the spiritual degrees and the method of transition from one to another, with a calm and steady manner.
- The confessor must know spiritual battles and their characteristics, and the ways to resist them.
He knows the devil’s cunning and the ways he enters the soul to mislead and deceive it. The confessor is also experienced in the difficulties and obstacles that confront any person seeking to reach God. He is a companion to the penitents, as the apostle said: “Admonish the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all.” (1thess 5:14).
He must know when to encourage and when to rebuke.
Thus he encourages the despairing, who might be led by despair to perdition, and he supports the weak who need someone to uphold them so they do not fall. He encourages one under a severe and oppressive battle; if divine aid does not accompany him it is easy for him to surrender.
While he rebukes the frivolous who do not realize the seriousness of their sin and its consequences; those for whom sin has become habitual so that conscience no longer suffices to restrain them, and they need an external conscience to admonish them for what they do.
In rebuking, the confessor should perceive the penitent’s receptivity to rebuke and his capacity to endure it. He should be wise in his rebuke so as not to wound the penitent’s feelings, drive him away from confession, or alienate him. Rather he should first convince him. In the atmosphere of persuasion he is then ready for rebuke and penance according to what he can bear.
The confessor should be a student of the Scriptures and of the Church’s canons.
So that in his guidance he accords with God’s good will in governing human affairs. Also, if the penitent asks him a question he answers according to correct teaching.
He should be spiritual in leading others. It is not permissible for him—out of embarrassment at his lack of knowledge—to answer with whatever reply comes to his mind, however wrong or untrustworthy.
And the confessor must not be extreme in his guidance.
Harsh in an unbalanced way in his directions, he burdens penitents with what they cannot bear, and lays upon them heavy burdens hard to carry. The Lord reproved the scribes for that in those days (matth4: 23). Rather he offers spiritual counsel within the limits of what the penitents can do, within the scope of their capacities and abilities. How beautiful are the words of the apostles concerning the reception of the Gentiles: “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us…” and “it is my judgment, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God” (Acts 15: 19).
To be continued
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