Book Review: The Untapped Power of the Sacrament of Penance by Christopher J. Walsh

The Untapped Power of the Sacrament of Penance: A Priest's View by Fr. Christopher J. Walsh

As the title of this book suggests, Fr. Christopher Walsh examines a sacrament that is not as prominent as it once was. Walsh briefly describes the pre-Vatican II of his youth where a large portion of Catholics would go to confession weekly, resulting in long hours in the confessional with priests trying to get through lots of penitents. The rite could and did devolve into a "sacrament factory" attitude where confession became very formulaic. Vatican II called for a renewal of various aspects of the sacrament. Walsh sums it up: "Penance is a sacrament of healing, of forgiveness and of reconciliation." [p. 23] The sacrament heals the wounds caused by sin, a therapeutic effect. The sacrament forgives sin, removing guilt and the punishment due, a judicial effect. The sacrament reconciles the penitent with God and the Church, a relational effect. The priest is a doctor, a judge, and a mediator in this sacrament. The priest helps the penitent to continue on the path of conversion, turning to God and growing closer to Him. The post-conciliar attitude gave the rite of the sacrament more flexibility and more focus on the individual. 

Walsh also looks at reasons people avoid confession. Some people fear to reveal their sins and worry about a negative reaction from the priest. Also, some are uneasy with the more flexible form of the sacrament--will I have to confess face-to-face? Will I have an awkward conversation? Yet another problem is the "I am basically a good person" attitude that does not acknowledge sins. A final objection is why a penitent can't go straight to God instead of confessing to a priest. Walsh deals with all these objections in a straightforward and pastoral way, encouraging the reader to reflect on the examples and arguments he makes. 

He concludes the book with insights on how to get the most out of the sacrament. He argues that people should go fairly often (maybe once a month) to support spiritual growth through healing (even of the wounds of venial sins) and counseling (spiritual direction). He talks about good ways to examine your conscience. He reviews the various parts of a good confession. He finishes with reflections about how priests experience the grace of the sacrament in giving absolution, often to people who struggle with the same problems and sometimes to people who seem more advanced spiritually. The experience is humbling and exhilarating to Walsh and to many of the priests he consulted in preparing this book.  

Overall, the book is a great way to reconnect with the sacrament or to have greater insight into the value and blessing of reconciliation.

Highly recommended.