Another story is told of a priest who had a very unusual experience in a confession. A man confessed that he had been stealing lumber and supplies from the supply company where he worked.

He confessed, “I’ve built a home for myself and two more for my family including a lake house.”

The priest said, “This is quite serious and I must think of an appropriate means of penance and a path to restoration. You must remove yourself from the routine of life for a season. Have you ever done a retreat?”

The man shot back, “No, Sir, but if you can get the blueprints, I can get the lumber.”

This shows that confession in itself doesn’t change the soul. Repentence is also a part of the formula. If the goal is to be free of the guilt, we also must be free of the sin.

Tags: confession, humor