Pope Francis: Confession Motivates Us to Do Better
A Catholic deacon compares the fear of confession to the fear of the dentist—and reminds us both are about healing, not punishment. With only 23% of U.S. Catholics going to confession yearly, Pope Francis offers a refreshing perspective: the confessional is where mercy motivates us to grow.
Fear of the dentist is almost universal, but it turns out many Catholics feel the same way about confession.
Deacon Dean Johnson from the Church of the Holy Family in Sewell wrote a refreshingly honest column comparing his dental anxiety to the nervousness many feel about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Just like we rehearse excuses in the dentist's waiting room, many Catholics avoid confession because it feels uncomfortable or scary.
The numbers back this up. A recent Pew Research Center study found that only 23% of U.S. Catholics go to confession at least once a year, while nearly half say they never go at all.
Johnson wants to change that mindset. He points out that the uncomfortable feelings we associate with confession don't come from God—they come from our own fear and shame. That's exactly why we need it.
Pope Francis puts it beautifully: "The confessional is not a torture chamber, but the place where the Lord's mercy motivates us to do better." It's not about punishment. It's about healing.
Johnson draws the perfect parallel. We visit the doctor when we're sick and the dentist when we have a toothache, but we also go regularly to maintain our overall wellness. Confession works the same way for our spiritual health, strengthening us against what he calls "the disease and decay of sin."
The Lenten season offers the perfect opportunity to return to this sacrament. Pope Saint John Paul II reminded us that Lent invites us back to Reconciliation so we can share more fully in the mystery of Easter.
Why This Inspires
Johnson's honest comparison strips away the fear that keeps so many people from seeking spiritual healing. By acknowledging that confession feels scary while also explaining why it's worth it, he offers a practical path forward. His message isn't about guilt—it's about the peace and victory that come from reconciliation.
When we leave the confessional, Johnson writes, we carry two signs: victory over sin and peace. That's a dental appointment worth keeping.
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Based on reporting by Google News - Reconciliation
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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