It is Holy Saturday morning, and I am standing in line at my church waiting to confess my sins.
This is only my second time doing this, and I have never been here during a holiday before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s busy! Two confessionals at either end and another one up front of the altar, face to face (or side to side).
I remember when growing up, the confessionals were in the back of the church (like here), and we were terrified of which priest we would get! We’d get in the booth and wait because there was another confessional on the other side, and the priest would be talking to the sinner on the other side. We’d wait and get more and more nervous, kind of like today! Soon, the little covering over the window would slide over, and we’d hear the priest asking us to confess our sins.
This time was a little different than the first at this church. I picked the right-hand side and should have picked the left side because I walked over to the room, the door was wide open, and Father Devine was sitting in a chair waiting for me! I’m sure the shock was on my face! Ugh, Face to Face!?! With the door wide open?!? I didn’t even get to say how long it’s been or give the Act of Contrition. We just launched right into my sins.
I’m sorry – is this ALL supposed to be private? I won’t share the details. Let’s just say, it didn’t take long because what I was hoping was going to be a mini therapy session turned into a “yikes, here’s my sins, now get me out of here” moment.
I do feel better for going. I may have been happier if I had gone to the front for the side-by-side, and I know, without a doubt, given the option, I will be turning to the left confessional from now on!
Thoughts From The Passenger Seat 