Taxi Cab Confessions – Spring 2023
The New York cab driver adjusted his rearview mirror.
He squinted as he looked at me in the reflection.
“So, you’re a priest?”
Yes.
“You on duty?”
It was 5am and pitch dark. I was headed to the airport for an early flight.
In the last 20 minutes, I had woken up, prayed the morning offering, slurped down a cup of coffee, and shoved a donut in my mouth. In the last 20 seconds, I grabbed my bag, stepped off the cold sidewalk and hopped in the yellow car. I was tired and cranky. What was he looking for? An argument? A Catholic trivia question?
Yes, I said, forcing a smile.
“Ok, Father. We got 10 minutes before my next stop. Can you hear my confession?”
Sure, I said. In the name of the Father…
I’ve heard confessions in cars— while driving and as a passenger.
I heard confessions in airports, on park benches, and on a bus. Young soldiers have approached me while waiting for flights. “Father, I’m sorry to bother you. But could you hear my confession? I’m being deployed today, and I’d really appreciate it.”
An older man saw me one summer while I was ordering frozen custard; he offered to pay for mine. He introduced himself and we chatted between spoonfuls of our carmel sundaes. He asked if I could hear his confession. He began: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been 40 years since my last confession.”
Confession is a Catholic sacrament that can be celebrated almost anywhere. All you need is a sinner and a priest. I also go to confession! I recall going out for pizza with a Jesuit friend. Before we went to the restaurant, he asked if I could hear his confession. After he finished, I said, “Hey, can we switch? I need to go, too.” I took off the purple stole and handed it to him; he flipped it over his shoulders and heard my confession. I am a priest and a sinner. I need forgiveness, too.
I also hear confessions in confessionals, in churches, and on retreats.
It is a sacred, sacramental encounter. We open our hearts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to receive His Divine Mercy.
I am always inspired and consoled after hearing confessions. I’m meeting someone with a deep trust in the Lord, who is speaking honestly about her sins and failings. She also believes in the love and power of Christ to forgive her and heal her.
Some confessions are like a gentle ‘spring cleaning.’ It’s been a few weeks since his last confession. The penitent ticks off familiar sins of impatience, jealousy, or foul language.
Others are heavier, meatier, dramatic. It’s been years or decades since their last confession. Sins of adultery, abortion, ancient grudges, getting hurt and hurting someone else in retaliation.
In confession I hear the man’s words, I offer a few words of encouragement, a penance, and finally absolution. In a few minutes, I can see the relief he feels: dropping 20 pounds of dead weight, walking tall, smiling, free. For the first time in a long time, he is at peace with himself, with others and with God.
Lent is a season of penance. We all need it. I know I do! Prayer, fasting and alms are the Church’s classic penitential practices. They strip away what is inessential so that we can enter more fully into relationship with Christ. We need the Divine Heart Doctor to heal our wounded and broken hearts.
Maybe your last confession was six weeks ago, or six months, or six years.
Is Christ calling you to encounter His Sacred Heart in confession this Lent?
Lent is a time for purification and preparation for the great Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Jesus is the one who prepares us, and He is the one who meets us in the Eucharist, on the cross, and in the Resurrection.
“Be missionaries already through your prayer,
by the offering of your daily life.
Your mission is here and now, in your studies and [labors,]
the little things of every day.
In fulfilling it through being open to the will of God,
you are already apostles who are helping the entire Church.
Pray for the people you will meet tomorrow.”
Fr Gautrelet SJ, homily on Dec 3, 1844; founder of the Apostleship of Prayer
excerpt from Love Him Ever More by Fr Joe Laramie SJ, p101
From – Fr Joe Laramie SJ, National Director
New book by Fr Joe
Perfect for Lent!
Love Him Ever More: a 9-Day Personal Retreat with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola
Available on Amazon-Kindle, www.avemariapress.org, or in your local Catholic bookstore.
Thank you, I am more prepared after reading your reflection, for our parish penance service Friday evening. Pray for my wife to receive the Grace to attend with me.
Deacon Russell Morey