Forgiveness of Sins
Only God forgives sins. “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:7). By virtue of his divine authority, Jesus, gives this power to men to exercise in his name. He entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry which he charged with the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus’ words to Simon Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) as an instrument of God's forgiveness.
Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus’ words to Simon Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) as an instrument of God's forgiveness.
Regular Confession
Regular confession of our sins helps us form our conscience, fight temptation, allows Christ to heal us, and progress in the life of the Spirit. Jesus not only forgave sins, but also reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God. The confession of sins frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. As we receive the gift of the Father’s mercy we become more merciful as He is merciful.
The Eucharist is a remedy to free us from our daily faults and to preserve us from mortal sins. Reading of scripture and prayer contributes to our repentance and forgiveness of sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1436) |
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Preparing to Receive God's Mercy
Before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one should prepare their heart by making an examination of conscience. Below are some examination guides which may be found useful.
The penitent must also stir in their own heart true contrition for their sins. Contrition is defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as, "sorrow of soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again." (CCC 1451)
The penitent must also stir in their own heart true contrition for their sins. Contrition is defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as, "sorrow of soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again." (CCC 1451)
Absolution
The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:
God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the 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.
(CCC 1449)
God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the 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.
(CCC 1449)