Q&A Home > C > Confession

Regarding making confession time only for confession, what if what I need advice in is directly related to what I am confessing? Moreover, would it be okay to continue seeking advice/confessing to the priest that I previously spoke to until my father of confession responds to me? I have sent some messages but no response—I am sure due to other responsibilities during this time. However, at this time I need advice regarding something in my spiritual life and fear waiting too long before confession/spiritual guidance (which for me right now is at times shorter than 40 days).

Certainly, confession is not merely just reciting a list of wrongs that you thought or committed, but includes spiritual advice for avoiding falling into these pitfalls, perhaps some insight about why these issues ensnare you, and other advice about the matters confessed. However, sometimes, confession becomes a venting session or a counseling session, and these take up much time and could be referred to an actual counselor since absolution is likely not needed for these sessions. Generally, if the matter at hand is not a crisis and can wait, perhaps your confession father might be giving you time to think and pray about the situation. All too often in these high technology days, people expect immediate responses and quick fixes. That is not always the best and only solution. Patience is a virtue: "By your patience possess your souls" (Luke 21:19). Perhaps, with a little time, God will reveal more information about that matter to help you find peace and understand His will for you. If a priest that is not your confession father advises in one direction and your confession father responds a few days later and advises you to take a different direction, you will be more confused: "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). From our Holy Tradition, we learn the wisdom and value of discipleship from the examples of our Church Fathers and Mothers. The biography of most saints includes a key spiritual father who mentored them. Through literature and other edifying media sources, you can learn from many homilies and lectures for spiritual edification, and discuss in your spiritual discourse with your confession father or make him aware of these influences. Though the role of the spiritual father is very important, it is not a contract. Choosing a different confession father is your prerogative. It is the going back and forth between two or more that is not spiritually helpful nor advised.