Advent is upon us and much work remains to be done as we prepare for Christmas. Today I want to discuss why going to confession is necessary and  beneficial. As we get closer to Christmas, this column should be a timely reminder that the season is about more than shopping for presents.

Why should you go to confession?

• Because sin leads to depression and deep guilt. Forgiveness heals and sets us free.
• Mortal sin, unconfessed, "excludes us from Christ's Kingdom and can send us to the eternal death of Hell, for our freedom has the power to  make choices forever, without turning back." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1861)
• Regular confession helps us grow in sincerity, humility and self knowledge. It sets us free.
• Saying you are "sorry" makes you a Christian man or woman and develops character and dignity.
• Just as keeping your body clean makes you more appealing physically, cleansing the soul makes you better to be around too.
• Having mortal (serious) sin on one's soul and then going to Communion compounds your sin and adds blasphemy (insult to God) to the list of mortal sins.
• Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, if you don't think you sin—you just did. The sin of presumption on God is a mortal sin.
• The priest acts "in Persona Christi" (in the person of Christ the Head).
• Christ gave us the Sacrament of Confession and wants souls to seek after holiness, not stubbornness.
• Because you love God. Only a sour soul runs from God's mercy.

God loves you and wants you with Him for all eternity. It is not always  easy to make a good confession, but the benefits are eternal—not to mention the results are immediate. May we always have the courage to do our duty—now and forever!