Frequent Confession: For Joy and Love and Many Miracles

Father Todd Reitmeyer, who died 12 years ago today in a jet ski crash on Lake Travis, taught me to have a great love of the sacrament of confession. 

I never met him in person, but covered his story while I worked as a journalist. He went to confession every week in hopes of being prepared “just in case” he should ever die unexpectedly. The Lord turned that for His glory to teach others like me. I increased my visit to the sacrament from once or twice a year to at least monthly, if not weekly.

This has borne so much fruit for me. Once, I had to confess a grudge I was holding against a person who did something really terrible. I was angry and crying uncontrollably. After that confession, I was entirely healed. No more crying. No anger. And there was peace between me and the person, who was truly sorry. This sacrament has healed me reconcile with others many times. There are times God has opened the opportunity for me to go to confession when the chance of doing so was slim, having someone tell me in a "random" conversation that confession was happening at a parish so I can make it. Once, I told God I needed a pen to write down some sins I was worried I would forget. Shortly thereafter, a priest came out and handed me a pen without my saying a word to him on that subject! I have been told many things prophetically by priests in confession. They have said things that answered prayers or told me how God feels about me. They have given me spiritual direction that helped me either not to sin anymore or not to be so hard on myself. Once in confession, I had a great privilege of having the pastor assign me to an important ministry. He told me he had great respect for me and my family. I'm so happy that happened in confession. That priest's love for me was an extension of God's love. That priest loved me a lot. He used to pat me on the head after the prayer for absolution. I have to admit that I love it when priests tell me my confessions are beautiful or brave. One priest said "All of Heaven is proud of this examination of conscience!" I appreciate the encouragement. I appreciate their love. I appreciate priests who give their time to this sacrament of healing for God's people. And I appreciate Father Todd who taught me to love it.