Going to the dentist still takes a lot of effort for me, even if it’s just for a regular cleaning. Who knew it would remind me of the cleansing gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

I know full well the importance of maintaining a healthy set of teeth and gums, but I still try to psyche myself up before I go to an appointment by telling myself that: 1.) I’m not a kid anymore; I’m a 30-year old mature, adult woman who is responsible enough to keep her dental appointments and care for her oral hygiene; 2.) Going to regular dental cleanings keep my teeth from rotting and falling off prematurely due to cavities, and keep gingivitis at bay; 3.) The dentist can let me know if there are any other dental work that needs to be done on my teeth or gums so I can maintain a healthy smile.

Going to regular confession also takes effort for me. No matter how long I’ve been on my life-long journey as a Christian, I still psyche myself up before I step inside the confessional box by telling myself that: 1.) I’m a mature Christian who still stumbles and falls, but can trust in the infinite mercy and unconditional love of God that is much more encompassing and powerful than any of my sins 2.) Going to regular confession deepens my love for God and my desire to please Him, reconciling me with Him and His body, the church. 3.) Jesus Christ, though the priest, gently walks me through my areas of weaknesses that I may seek ways to work on them instead of them working on me, praying for His grace to help me seek His will in my life.

Does giving myself a pep talk work? Sure. Somewhat. At least while lying down in the dental chair my monologues get me through the cleaning process without screaming, crying, clawing at the dentist and gouging his eyes out, which are weakly protected by a flimsy plastic barrier. I do squirm whenever the cold straight shot of icy water hits sensitive areas on my gums. I cringe when I hear the low buzzing sound of some long, slim instrument. My hairs stand when the sharp point of the hooked pick reaches between my teeth and breaks stubborn tartar.

In the same way, as I open up my soul and confess my deepest and darkest to the priest, I still feel myself squirm, cringe and my hairs stand due to guilt, shame, sincere remorse and contrition. But God sees a humble, repentant, contrite heart, and blesses it. The more I expose the secret chambers of my heart where sin may lurk, the more I expose myself to God’s cleansing torrent of love. Hearing myself name my sins also helps me realize the roots of my weaknesses and the specific areas I need to work on.

Because of regular cleanings, the dentist often tells me: “Well, it’s definitely good news. The overall health of your teeth is pretty good. Not bad at all. You just have a couple of sensitive areas that you may want to have fixed. Just brush lightly so your gums don’t recede even more.”

And the priest? Ahhh, those blessed words he utters just flow into my heart and soul: “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve your from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace and sin no more.”

Opening my mouth wide and opening my soul up are necessary for thorough cleansing and healing of the cavities on my teeth and the cavities in my soul. Only the dentist can do something about the cavities and other problem areas in my mouth. Jesus Christ, through the priest, is the only one who can remove the sins and fill up the cavities in my soul with His healing light.

Regular dental cleaning restores the healthy state of the teeth and gums; regular confession restores the healthy state of the soul in grace.

Make your appointment today.