For Those Who Conceal Their Sins in Confession
September 30
(A Homily of Saint John Chrysostom on the Confession of Sins.)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
September 30
(A Homily of Saint John Chrysostom on the Confession of Sins.)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
Regarding the Mystery of Repentance, the Church, among other things, makes the following determination: whoever conceals his sins in confession not only does not receive forgiveness for them, but also doubles them. “But if you conceal anything from me,” the spiritual father says to the penitent before confession, “you have a twofold sin.” It would seem that such a stern determination of the Church ought to compel all Christians to be open in confession and to approach it not with a feeling of Pharisaic self-righteousness, but with the disposition of the publican and the prudent thief. Nevertheless, even to this day we often see that some, because of false shame, others because of weak faith, others because of pride, and still others at the instigation of the devil, in a word, many do not cease concealing their sins and thereby leave confession without true peace in their conscience, without the divine word of forgiveness within their souls. How, then, can such people be moved to openness? How can their false shame, weak faith, and pride be taken away? How can they be made truly repentant? Let us endeavor to do this through the following words of Saint Chrysostom. God grant that those who conceal their sins in confession may be convinced of their error and come to their senses.
This is what the universal teacher says:
“Confess your sins, for through confession the wounds of the soul are healed. And just as a bodily wound is healed only when it is shown to a physician, while one concealed from him brings a person greater and greater infection and, in the end, death, so also sins concealed in confession kill both body and soul and bring joy to the devil. Sincere confession of sins is a great good, while concealing them is a joy to Satan... He makes not only the simple and unlearned, but even the learned man, conceal his sins in confession, telling him that he can confess his sins to God privately. But you, Christian, do not accept this devilish thought, and do not delay confessing your sins, so that you may receive forgiveness both in this age and in the age to come.”
Therefore, do you hear, you who conceal your sins in confession, what the universal teacher says? He says that sins concealed in confession kill both soul and body, that concealing sins in confession gives joy to Satan, and that, finally, it is Satan himself who teaches us to conceal our sins in confession. What, then? Surely, even after this, you will not, brethren, lie in confession before the Lord? Consider whose will you will then be fulfilling. To whom will you be giving joy? Where, finally, will you be preparing your souls? You will be fulfilling the will of your most evil enemy, Satan; you will be giving joy to him; and you will be preparing your souls for the abyss of hell. Is this not shameful? Is it not terrible? Is it not destructive to your souls? Oh, indeed it is so, my brethren!
Therefore, in view of this, fear the concealment of your sins as a deadly plague. Open the wounds of your souls in confession without any concealment, just as you are aware of them in your conscience. In confession, imagine yourself standing before the very presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, who invisibly receives your confession. And finally, in general, do not be ashamed, nor be afraid, and hide nothing from your spiritual father. Then, “if you confess your sins in this way, the Lord is faithful and just,” who “will forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” Amen.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
