THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

“The high point of the Jubilee in the encounter with God the Father, through Jesus the Saviour, present in his Church and in a special way in the sacrament. The whole Jubilee journey, prepared for by pilgrimage, has as its starting point and its conclusion the celebration of the sacrament of the Penance and of the Eucharist, the paschal mystery of Christ our peace and out reconciliation” (Incarnationis Mysterium, dispositions for obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence)

“Normally, God the Father grants his pardon through the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Free and conscious surrender to grave sin, in fact, separates the believer from the life of grace with God and therefore excludes the believer from the holiness to which he is called. Having received from Christ the power to forgive in his name (cf. Mt 16:19; Jn 20:23), the Church is in the world as the living presence of the love of God who leans down to every human weakness in order to gather in into the embrace of his mercy” (Incarnationis Mysterium, 9)

I. Why we should confess

Because we are sinners! That is, we think and act in a way contrary to the Gospel. Anyone who says he is without sin is a liar or he is blind.

In the sacrament of Reconciliation God forgives his children who, having contradicted their identity, confess their failings and at the same time acknowledge his mercy. Since the sin of one person alone does harm to the body of Christ, which is the Church, the sacrament has as an effect also of reconciliation with our brothers and sisters.

II. How we should confess

It is not always easy to confess: we do not know what to say; we do not feel it necessary to go to the priest… Nor is it easy to confess well: today, like yesterday, the greatest difficulty is the need to redirect thoughts, words and deeds that are culpably far from the Gospel. We need “a journey of authentic conversion. This includes both a ‘negative’ aspect, that of liberation from sin, and a ‘positive’ aspect, that of choosing good, accepting the ethical values expressed in the natural law, which is confirmed and deepened by the Gospel. This is the proper context for a renewed appreciation and more intense celebration of the Sacrament of the Penance in its most profound meaning” (Tertio Millennio Adveniente, 50).

The journey begins by listening to the voice of God and it continues with an examination of conscience, repentance, accusing ourselves of our sins to a priest and the proposal to make satisfaction for them. Then there is the invocation of God’s mercy, freely given through the absolution, thanksgiving for the forgiveness received and the resolution to start a new life.

III. What we should confess

“One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience. The confession of venial faults, without being necessary in itself, is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1493).

IV. Examination of conscience

Do I know how to forgive, make allowances for and help my neighbour?
Do I judge without compassion in thoughts and words?
Have I slandered, robbed, despised the least and the defenseless?
Am I envious, quick-tempered, do I know how to be impartial?
Do I care of the poor, and the sick?
Am I honest and just with everyone?
Have I incited to others to do wrong?
Do I observe conjugal and familiar morality taught by the Gospel?
How do I fulfill my educational responsibility towards my children?
Do I honor and respect my parents?
Have I rejected life that has just been conceived? Have I helped others to do so?
Do I respect the environment?

Do I exaggerate in eating, drinking, smoking?
Am I too concerned with my bodily health, my possessions?
How do I use my time? Am I lazy? Do I want to be served?
Do I love and cultivate purity of heart, thoughts and actions?
Do I thirst for revenge? Do I bear grudges?
Am I meek, humble, a peacemaker?

V. Act of contrition

O my God, I am most heartily sorry and ask pardon for all my sins. I detest them above all things, because they deserve your dreadful punishments, and most of all because they have offended you who are infinitely good and worthy to be loved above all things.
I now firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, never to offend you again and to avoid all occasions of sin.

Lord, most merciful Father, grant me your forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Lord Jesus, Through the mystery of your death and resurrection,free me from my sins and grant me your peace so that I may bear fruits of charity, justice and truth.