Post date: Jul 12, 2013 12:21:06 PM
“Christ’s love is shown in the fact that he seeks the lost and heals the sick. That is why he gave us the Sacraments of healing and restoration, in which we are freed from sin and strengthened in our physical and spiritual weakness.” see YOUCAT (Youth Catechism) pages 133-140 and Catechism of the Catholic Church pages 319-335.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as the Sacrament of Confession, Penance, or Conversion, as it has elements of all these. The process of going to Confession involves acknowledging our failings and our weakness; and being truly sorry for all the times we have not lived up to what is expected of us as Christians and members of Christ’s Body. We must also say, or do, whatever penance is given to us; and be determined not to turn away from God in the future.
We are encouraged to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year, even if we do not have any serious sins to confess. Afterwards we often experience an overwhelming sense of peace and joy, because the sacrament brings us closer to God. It enables us to be more like Christ, as well as making us closer to other people and to all of God’s creation. It helps to restore the balance in our lives.
We might find it useful to meditate on the words of absolution used in the western Church: “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and 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 you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The St Hugh’s Year of Faith discussion group will next meet on Saturday, 21st September after 10am Mass.