Pope Francis greets the crowd during his weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall on Jan 3 at the Vatican. (Photo by Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)
Fear and the shame of admitting one's own sins leads to pointing fingers and accusing others rather than recognizing one's own faults, Pope Francis said.
"It's difficult to admit being guilty, but it does so much good to confess with sincerity. But you must confess your own sins," the pope said Jan. 3 at his first general audience of the New Year.
Recognizing one's own sins prepares a person to make room in his or her heart for Christ, the pope said. But a person who has a heart "full of himself, of his own success" receives nothing because he is already satiated by his "presumed justice."
"Listening to the voice of conscience in silence allows us to realize that our thoughts are far from divine thoughts, that our words and our actions are often worldly, guided by choices that are contrary to the Gospel," the pope said.
Confessing one's sins to God and the church helps people understand that sin not only "separates us from God but also from our brothers and sisters," he added.
"Sin cuts, it cuts our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters, in our family, in society, in the community," the pope said. "Sin always cuts, separates, divides."
Full Story: Don’t confess other’s faults, own up to sins, pope says ay audience
Source: Catholic News Service