"We place God 'front and centre' at these moments of our lives" (Knox, p.219)
What are the origins of Reconciliation and Penance? To understand the origins of Penance and Reconciliation we must first start with the story of Moses. Moses was the man who communicated with God through a burning bush. God ordered Moses to scribe the Ten Commandments. These commandments became the rules in which all Christians live by. When a person commits a sin they are usually disobeying one of these commandments created by God. Originally, lesser sins could be forgiven through prayer, fasting, works of mercy and the Eucharist. Mortal sins were seen as a more serious crime against the church and the consequences were harsh. The sinner would begin with community penance. This involved the parishioner confessing their sins to their whole community. They were usually shunned by the community until their penance was acknowledged by the Bishop. The sinner wore unbecoming clothing as well as asking members of the community for forgiveness and prayer. When the Bishop was satisfied the sinner had repented he would offer them forgiveness.
Obviously the church does not practise Reconciliation and Penance in this manner anymore. During the second Vatican council in 1973, Pope John Paul VI suggested a revision of the sacrament of Penance. The sacrament of Reconciliation has now been broken down into four steps.
1. Confession - The parishioner confesses their sins. 2. Contrition - The parishioner feels sorry for their sins. 3. Absolution - The priest forgives the sins on behalf of Jesus, God and the church 4. Penance - The parishioner does something to apologise for their sins and the potential damage their sins may have caused. This usually consists of prayers.
Definition of Sacrament The word Sacrament is derived from the Roman word Sacramentum, meaning a holy oath in the presence of Gods. The Catholic sacraments are sacred rituals, instituted or were approved by Jesus, in which God's grace is instilled by the Holy Spirit.
Why do Catholic's participate in Reconciliation? For Catholics, the sacrament of penance/reconciliation is a celebration. We celebrate that Jesus forgives all sins and that Jesus makes people closer to God.
What are the Catholic Sacraments? Sacraments are classified as the major events in a Catholic persons life. There are seven sacraments in which Catholic people can celebrate: Baptism - A rebirth into the Christian community. Reconciliation & Penance - Forgiveness of sins and Penance. Eucharist - Christs saving presence among us. Confirmation - Growth in God's spirit. Marriage - A life commitment to another in love. Holy orders - Life commitment to the Church. Anointing of the Sick - God's healing power and love.