Pardon and Peace: A Sinner's Guide to Confession

by Francis Randolph

Fr. Francis Randolph presents a very positive and practical understanding of the immense value of the sacrament of confession for the modern Catholic. Father Randolph helps the reader to see how the sacrament of confession meets the deepest needs of the penitent on the spiritual, emotional and psychological levels. Step by step we follow the different stages of the rite, looking at the various elements of the sacrament and what they mean for the average sinner in the box. The author draws on his own experiences, on both sides of the grille, to explain what is actually happening in this sacrament, and why it is so helpful for growing in the love of God and neighbor. Because of so much recent confusion over the nature and purpose of the sacrament, the book tackles the common objections and anxieties over confession, and recommends frequent confession for getting rid of stress and anxiety, and growing in confidence before God.

Genres: Catholic, Counselling, Spirituality, Religion

185 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main hurdle for a more liberal reader is that Fr. Randolph tends to bring up the sorts of concerns that a grumpy Tory might in 2001, such as the end of the fox hunt, which seem a bit irrelevant to the saving of souls. The heart of the book though is an experienced priest riffing on different themes in Catholic life. These opinions are clearly infused with love and with a genuine desire to see people be happy. The main takeaway is that it is astonishingly easy to get back into God's good graces compared to the unfortunate trend to see every mistake as a certain path to hell. The paradox is that this grace comes with its own demands for diligent effort which last a lifetime (and beyond).

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, sharp, and enlightening.

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay information but not transformational. Nothing in particular stood out.

[Stephen Fahrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to the theology and practice of the sacrament of Reconciliation, this book is a great read both for those who regularly avail themselves of this wonderful sacrament and for those who have not been to confession in a very long time. For the former, Randolph's work serves as a means of enriching our understanding of the sacrament and helping us to make our confessions more fruitful. For the latter, the book presents Reconciliation in a positive way, and also offers much helpful advice for how to celebrate the sacrament - both of which are very helpful, given that most people who stay away from confession do so out of fear or uncertainty as to how to confess their sins. A good book to circulate among the faithful.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age when many Catholics do not, often through no fault of their own, understand or take advantage of the Sacrament of Penance, this book lays out its foundations and benefits very well. It is aimed at Catholics and takes a very caring, pastoral approach in its explanations, rather than one of "apologetics".

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reintroduction to this under used sacrament. If you are hesitant to go to confession and think you are beyond saving...read this book.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book, about much more than just Confession. I appreciated the quiet wit throughout.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book on this important and often-neglected sacrament of healing

[Kelsie Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a adequate read. There was some decent stuff in here, but it got off the topic of confession so often it kinda drove me crazy.

[John Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this book very informative yet also transformational in the way I see the sacrament of reconciliation. This gives me a clearer picture of the sacrament and what is going on there. More information on the sacrament in addition to the catechesis I already received is always welcomed.

What struck me here is the discussion on habitual sins and frequency of confession. On the first, it can be consoling for someone to know that at least you know what you are struggling with for a time now. You can then be consoled to know that at least there is nothing new you are struggling with because you keep on going to the confessional with the same sins again and again. It gives you the chance to practice and try again to avoid it the next time an occassion of sin occurs. Now, this does not mean that we take the sacrament for granted. We need to have a resolve not to sin again and avoid it as much as we can, while relying on God's help for us to live our repentance and the life of grace in our lives.

The frequency of confession is helpful to me since I am wondering how often should I go even if I may not feel that I did something wrong from my last confession. The fact is, there are still something we can confess. It may not be the ones we committed, but the ones we failed to be loving and charitable at. The Bible says that even the just man sins seven times a day (or something to that effect). For us who have fallen short to do good because of original sin, we have wills that are stubborn to do what is good and loving. A missed opportunity to do a small act of kindness, or say something charitable can steer our hearts to be less loving. Somehow, it can lead to situation wherein we should have said or did something true, good and beautiful but rather stayed silent and unconcerned, especially in a relativistic world where we just let others live and let live. Even the small acts and words of kindness and goodness can help our hearts to be more loving and charitable towards our neighbors.

I found much consolation in the last part of this book where the lives of the saints were recounted. I always find this line hopeful: There is no sinner without a future, and no saint without a past. There is hope for everyone striving to do better with God's help and grace. It is said that grace perfects nature. So keep striving, hoping, and trying just one more time than you fail. Rest assured that God is more concerned to what you have become, and what your heart has become, which is hopefully closer and more trusting in His love and mercy. As Mother Teresa has said, God does not ask us to be perfect, but to be faithful.

Whenever I dread to go to confession, I always remember what Fr Mike Schmitz said about confession. He said, the sacrament of reconciliation is a place of victory. Yes, it may seem awkward to admit our mistakes and sins, but the priest is bound by the seal of confession. Also, they usually do not remember our sins anyway, because as Fr Mike would say, he is like taking out the trash from our souls and at the same time, he witnesses how God's grace, mercy and love triumphs on that penitent's heart in the confessional. The beauty of God's forgiveness is so humbling an experience than the darkness of our sins. So if you are reading this, and needs a sign to go to confession, please google the confession schedule of your nearest parish then and go to your preferred time and church. God is waiting for you there, waiting to embrace you in His loving and merciful arms. Hopefully, the priest will be a witness of how God's mercy and love transforms your heart little by little, but starts from a place of humility and a place of victory for God's love and mercy for you.

[booklady]

How can the Kindle book cost more than the print copy?! Weren't electronic books supposed to be a bargain because we weren't going to cut down trees?! 🤔

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) from many different angles. The author also succeeds in explaining other doctrines that relate to this Sacrament in a way that is helpful and that shows how they fit together and form a coherent reality. Although the book may have been written for lay people, there are some valuable insights for priests too.

[Amicizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to the theology and practice of the sacrament of Reconciliation, this book is a great read both for those who regularly avail themselves of this wonderful sacrament and for those who have not been to confession in a very long time. For the former, Randolph's work serves as a means of enriching our understanding of the sacrament and helping us to make our confessions more fruitful. For the latter, the book presents Reconciliation in a positive way, and also offers much helpful advice for how to celebrate the sacrament - both of which are very helpful, given that most people who stay away from confession do so out of fear or uncertainty as to how to confess their sins. A good book to circulate among the faithful.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good introductory book to the theology of confession. Pardon and Peace lays out the history and theology behind the sacrament of confession in a very accessible way.