Chapter 14: Sacraments of Healing
{Penance“In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man is sick on account of sin. For that reason he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the Sacrament of Penance.” (St. Thomas Aquinas)
http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/les-miserables/trust-each-other
http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/les-miserables/back-to-god
Les Misérables (1998)
Listen to the passage from John 8:1-11 Discuss with a person next to you:
what does this story and the videos with Jean Valjean show about sins and forgiveness?
Share some of your thoughts with the class.
We are called to metanoia, “conversion” “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance.” (Luke 5:32) “Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental
conversion.” (CCC 1427) Forgiveness of original sin & grace to live life with God. Effects of original sin remain – concupiscence - tendency
toward sin We are also called to a continual conversion throughout
our lives. Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession to forgive us
our sins and call us to conversion of heart. “St. Ambrose says of the two conversions that, in the Church,
‘there are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance.’” (CCC 1429)Our Call to Conversion
Mortal Sin – a serious offense against God that destroys a person’s relationship with God and the charity of the human heart. 3 Conditions:
Must be a grave or serious matter (think 10 Commandments)
Individual committing the sin must have full knowledge that the act is serious and wrong
Act must be freely chosen Result: Those who die in a state of mortal sin,
having chosen to be separated from God in this life, will be separated from Him for all eternity. This separation from God is called Hell.
Mortal sins must be confessed in kind and in number.
What is sin? Sin – “an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law”… “an offense against God.” (CCC 1849-1850)
Venial Sin – an act against moral law that is either not a grave matter or if the sinner is not aware that it is a grave matter, or if the act was not committed with full consent Still important to take venial sin seriously. They can
build up and lead us to mortal sin. Sin of commission – an act committed in violation
of God’s law Sin of omission – failing to act virtuously in a given
situation or failing to perform an act required by God’s Law. Ex: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Mt 25:31-
46)
What is sin? Continued…
Recipient: Baptized Catholic (over the age of reason) Particularly when one has committed mortal sin,
encourage for venial sin At least once per year
Matter Traditionally defined as “the acts of the penitent” Contrition, Confession, Satisfaction (Penance)
Contrition – true sorrow for having sinned – perfect = love for God, imperfect = fear of consequences
Form Absolution “I absolve you from your sins in the name…
+.“ Minister
Ordinary: Bishop, Priest (by jurisdiction) Must practice the seal of the confession
Extraordinary: None
Outward Sign…
Jesus forgives sinners (Mark 2:5-11; Matthew 9:2-7)
Binding and Loosing (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18)
“Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.” (18:18)
Resurrection Appearance in the Upper Room John 20:21-23 “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you
forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Like Great Commission – command not just given to Apostles, but to whole Church… Instituted by Christ
…
Reconciliation with God and with the Church ‘… restoring us to God’s grace and joining us in an
intimate friendship.” (Roman Catechism II.V.18) Peace of conscience and spiritual comfort
Forgiveness of sins Mortal – returns us to the state of grace (restores
sanctifying grace) Venial – contributes to a portion of temporal punishment in
Purgatory Strengthening for living Christian life – provides us
with actual graces to help us avoid sin in the future. Prepares for final meeting with Divine Judge
… To Give Grace
The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)
Luke 15:11-32
For Understanding: Contrition vs.
Attrition God’s
forgiveness and grace
3 Rites
Individual ConfessionPenance Service with Individual Confession
General Confession and Absolution
Reception of the Penitent (optional) Reading of the Word of God Confession of Sins and Acceptance of
Penance (Satisfaction) Allows for counsel and a penance appropriate
to sins Act of Contrition Absolution Proclamation of Praise of God and
Dismissal
Rite
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest? Why can’t we just ask God directly?
For Discussion