Lord, Have Mercy

At the end of February I read Scott Hahn's^(?) book Lord Have Mercy. Subtitled "The Healing Power of Confession", I hoped the book clear up any lingering doubts before I made my first Confession.

As a biblical scholar and theologian, and a convert from hardcore Protestantism, himself, Scott is a thorough author, who I find personally compelling. The book is laid out in 13 Chapters, starting at the origin and causes of lies, untruth and sin, discussing contrition and penance before talking about Confession as something with a truly sacramental character.

Scott further discusses differing views on sin and forgiveness exhibited by Catholics and Protestants, and explains in detail--as with his other books--the covenantal nature of the Old Testament, of the whole Bible and of Christianity. Demonstrating Confession as not a new invention, Scott then discusses why and how Confession is required to fulfil the Law, to make whole that Covenant.

The book also discusses, clearly, mortal sin and its effects on the soul, feelings of resentment that come without repentance, and the dangers of make excuses which will never make up for our transgressions.

The style of book is easy and approachable, yet it is sufficiently informative and robust, replete with references to primary and secondary sources. As well as clear instructions regarding Confession, the book also includes helpful appendices at the back laying out the actual Rite of Reconciliation, some prayers including an Act of Contrition, and most importantly, a thorough Examination of Conscience.

I would recommend this book to anyone making their first Confession this Lent/Easter. Whilst you will of course have been properly Catechised, the book is helpful in reinforcing orthodox doctrine in a gentle yet persuasive way, striking a correct balance in being non-offensive whilst assertive of the Truth of the matter. I found it helpful!

pbk., 214 pages,
Darton Longman & Todd,
£10.95

The dilemma of timing

Some people convert, or change faiths, because they find the 'target' faith more appealing, or better suiting to their nature. Others change because, quite simply, they have no choice.

To explain this, let me quote the former Anglican bishop of London, Mgr. Graham Leonard^(?)--here he is speaking about ordaining former Anglican clergy, but this is equally pertinent to many converts:

We are talking about men who ... sincerely believed that they were following God's will as regards their vocation. Only later, and sometimes very painfully, have they come to the realisation that the ecclesial body in which they [were] did not enjoy the fulness of Christianity which subsists within the Catholic Church.

So, that's the problem. You think you've done the right thing, you think you've gone to the right place, and then you realise, as if lightning has struck you, that you've knocked on the wrong door.

It's a very tough place for people to be in. It's okay when they don't realise, but once they have, as Msgr. Leonard notes, it becomes a very painful situation. I found this pain accelerated my own journey "across the Tiber". It took me almost two years to work out that the Anglican Communion was not, for me, the full expression of my faith, but once I had realised that, there was an almost frantic desire in me to "get to the right place". Think of it, if you will, as realising you're not only late for the birthday party, but also at the wrong end of the motorway.

I think the important lesson to be learned here, though, is that timing is essential and crucial. You cannot go at faith like a bull at a gate; you must instead learn to work at God's pace. Even when bogged down in the pain of feeling distant and separate from those you long to be with, you must have faith that time will bring about that which is so desired. If we run too fast, then our faith becomes shallow and only skin-deep. If, on the other hand, time is taken--even painful time--then that faith becomes ingrained, and a part of our everyday life. You cannot run before you can walk.