Lent: a time for spiritual spring cleaning

By Julie VanSpall

It could be because I worked in a hospital kitchen as a student (or it could just be because I worry too much!) but I regularly spray my kitchen sinks and counters with Lysol.

I don't buy antibacterial products, since I'm aware of the risks of "super bugs," and I wouldn't call myself obsessive (my husband may beg to differ). We wash our hands with good old soap and water; however, in my opinion, food preparation areas require frequent disinfecting. The areas may look clean to the naked eye, but I only feel satisfied with my kitchen when I have thoroughly sanitized and used a bit of elbow grease.

During Lent we are called to do more than clean our sinks. Since Lent and springtime coincide, we often embark as we prepare for Easter on the symbolic rituals of cleaning closets and tackling projects we have ignored throughout the year. We are likewise encouraged to focus on cleansing our souls in an effort to remove anything contaminating our relationships with God. The sacrament of reconciliation is the most perfect method of spiritual cleaning.

I'll admit that there was a time in my life when I questioned my personal need for this sacrament. While in university, I attended a general absolution ceremony. Never having been to a general absolution before, I expected to begin the evening with a prayer service followed by private confessions.

Much to my surprise, after readings and an examination of conscience, the priest absolved everyone and we dispersed. "That was easy," I told myself.

As a result of the experience, I adopted the perspective that I didn't really need one-to-one contact with a priest in order to receive God's forgiveness. I prayed daily and attended Mass weekly; I examined my conscience regularly; my sins were really between God and me anyway. Why bother?

Luckily, a few years later, while on retreat, I chose to confess my sins to a priest once again. The sense of relief and satisfaction I experienced reunited me with this sacrament. Even though God knows what I think, feel, and do (even better than I know these things myself), I have a human need to voice my failings in order to make a completely fresh start. As God and man, Jesus recognized our needs and instituted this life-giving sacrament.

There is nothing wrong with general absolution as long as one recognizes that those attending communal celebrations "must have the intention of individually confessing their sins in the time required" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1483). These celebrations start the process, but are really just like rinsing a sink with water and accepting it as clean.

Water contributes to a sink's cleanliness, but since it does not remove harmful bacteria, it's really only touching the surface. Examining our consciences and praying for forgiveness is very helpful in growing closer to God, but it does not replace confession.

We must properly clean sinks once in a while to remove the invisible germs which are ultimately most harmful to our health; we are bound by the Church "to confess serious sins at least once a year" (Catechism, 1457) in order to remove the hidden offences most dangerous to our spiritual wellbeing.

The Gospel of the woman at the well is known for highlighting the sacrament of baptism as it speaks of receiving Christ's "living water." The story likewise speaks of the importance of reconciliation. As God, Jesus knew of the woman's transgressions; as man, He recognized her need to speak aloud and share experiences with another.

He asked her about her husband, fully aware that she was an adulteress. His understanding manner encouraged her to admit what shamed her, clearing her conscience and reinvigorating her faith. Admitting her failings and finding acceptance in spite of them allowed her to start her life again.

Christ's revelations caused her to believe in Him as the Messiah, and to convert others as she proclaimed throughout the city, "[He] told me everything I have ever done" (Jn. 3:29).

We Catholics have been given a unique and precious gift in confession. The priest, with his ability to absolve us of our sins, is for us the listening ear of Christ: "Whosoever, therefore, shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father Which is in heaven" (Mt. 10:32).

There's a sense of satisfaction and renewal in cleaning a sink, a closet, or a garage. There's a sense of inner peace and hope when we can erase the slates of our souls and move forward in union with God. During this season of Lent and spring cleaning, let us recognize that our cleansing is only complete when we look beyond our homes and into our hearts.

After all, Lysol claims to disinfect with "99.9 per cent" effectiveness, while an honest and thorough confession guarantees to clean 100 per cent.