Sacrament
of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is known by other names like confession
or penance. This sacrament is very powerful because it frees us from sins.
For Catholics, this is a sacrament for forgiveness and grace.
The sacrament of reconciliation is needed because we sin. The sacrament is used for the forgiveness of sins committed after baptism. It's a sign from God to impart grace to the soul. We reconcile ourselves with God through confession.
History
of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
"The
practice of confessing one's sins has been around since the early days
of Christianity. At that time, it was generally reserved for those who
had denied their faith in the face of persecution or committed other grave
sins, such as adultery or murder. Sins were confessed and forgiven in
public. This early rite of reconciliation, however, could be received
only once in a lifetime and involved a process that could take years.
Severe penances were also given. As a result, Christians generally postponed
reception of the sacrament until they were on their deathbeds.
"The private form of confession can be traced to Celtic monks and nuns, who individually and frequently discussed their sinfulness and need for reform with their abbot or abbess. In the late sixth century, they brought this practice to Europe, where it quickly became popular among Christians. It was not until 1215, however, that church leadership, at the Fourth Lateran Council, officially adopted the private form of confession as the norm. The Council also decreed that baptized Christians were to confess their sins and receive the Eucharist once each year.
"By the end of the 13th century, theologians had developed a process for the private reception of the sacrament. It involved four steps: confession, contrition, absolution, and satisfaction or penance. It was not until 1973 that a revised ritual, mandated by Vatican II, was introduced.
"The private form of confession, with its four steps, was retained. In addition, two communal forms, which incorporate a liturgical service, were introduced. Of these, the one including individual confession and absolution is commonly used in parishes today. The other, which includes general absolution, is reserved for times of grave necessity and is rarely used. There is also an abbreviated fourth form for use when a person faces imminent death.
"Both the private and communal forms of confession used today emphasize the belief, held since the early days of Christianity, that sin is an offense not only against God but also against the community. Within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest represents both God and the community and the penitent seeks forgiveness from both.
"Reconciliation is the sacrament that addresses our imperfections and our humanness. Yet it also goes beyond them to offer us an opportunity for healing and hope within ourselves and, through the acts of reparation, within the whole community.
"Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are drawn to Jesus. We are drawn first as the sinners He continually calls to repentance, forgiveness, conversion, and new life. Then, freed from our burdens, we are drawn as the disciples He calls to deliver His message of love and hope to the world.
"These are really wonderful reasons to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently. How fortunate we are that God loves us so much."
Source: Oblates,
July-August 2003 (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate)
(www.oblatesusa.org)
Articles
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