Penance/Reconciliation/Confession
We know that only God forgives sins. The Catechism of the
Catholic Church states this in number 1441. It also states that
“by virtue of his divine authority he (Jesus) gives this power
to men to exercise in his name.” And in number 1442, “He entrusted
the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry which
he charged with the ‘ministry of reconciliation.’”
The priest is acting in persona Christi, Latin for “in the person of Christ.”
So Christ is present in the sacrament. The penitent should prepare for the
sacrament with “an examination of conscience made in the light of the
Word of God.” (CCC 1454) The penitent then begins with “Bless me,
Father, for I have sinned. It has been (amount of time) since my last
confession.” Then the penitent confesses their sins.
A good confession is an honest conversation with God, holding back
nothing. Many people are embarrassed and/or afraid that they will shock
the priest with their sins. But remember, God knows everything you’ve
done anyway. So don’t hold back.
After hearing the confession, the priest will give a penance. The Catechism
says, “The penance the confessor imposes must take into account
the penitent’s personal situation and must seek his spiritual good. It must
correspond as far as possible with the gravity and nature of the sins committed.
It can consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service of
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ceptance of the cross we must bear.” (CCC 1460)
Contrition, or sorrow for one’s sins, is essential. The penitent then says
an act of contrition, vowing to do better, to sin no more. The priest then
offers the words of absolution. Finally, the Catechism says, “…each of
the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at
least once a year.” (CCC 1457) If you’ve been away from the sacrament
for a long time, go back. God desires this sacrament of healing to reconcile
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you to God and the Church.
For further study:
CCC 1422-1498
John 20:21-23