Penance and Reconciliation
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Two Sacraments Confronting Sin and Death (1420-1421)
We carry this new life "in earthen vessels" (2 Cor 4:7). We are in "an earthly tent" subject to suffering, illness and death, this new life can be weakened and even lost by sin.
Christ, who forgave the sins of the paralytic (and then healed him) wants his work of healing and salvation to continue. Therefore, he gave us the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick.
Two Effects of Penance (1422)
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance receive God's mercy for their sins and are reconciled to the Church (Second Vatican Council).
The Five Names (1423-1424)
The sacrament has the following names:
- Sacrament of Conversion - Making Jesus' call to conversion sacramentally present
- Sacrament of Penance - Consecrating the person's conversion, penance and satisfaction
- Sacrament of Confession - Because disclosing sins to a priest is an essential element; it is also a confession of God's holiness and mercy
- Sacrament of Forgiveness - By the priest's sacramental absolution God gives pardon and peace
- Sacrament of Reconciliation - The person is "reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:20) and "reconciled to his brother" (Mt 5:24)
Need for Post-Baptismal Forgiveness (1425-1426)
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 Jn 1:8). Jesus taught us to pray "Forgive us our trespasses" (Lk 11:4).
Although the initiation sacraments make us "holy and without blemish" (as Christ's Bride the Church), these sacraments do not abolish the weakness of human nature nor the inclination to sin (concupiscence). The Christian life is a struggle for holiness and eternal life.
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