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Reconciliation

The sacrament of reconciliation restores our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters. It is a sacrament of healing that heals us from our brokenness due to sin and transgression.

The sacrament of reconciliation is one of the sacraments of healing in the Church that can be received both individually and in common.

Original meaning of the term

The previous terms used for the sacrament of reconciliation are penance and confession. These two terms focus on the two elements involved in the reception of the sacrament: the process of confessing one's sin to a priest, and the giving of penance by the priest to the penitent in order to atone for his sin. The new term reconciliation completes the whole meaning of the sacrament to include the reconciliation of the penitent back to God and with his brothers and sisters in the faith.

Reconciliation can be received individually or in common

In the early centuries of Christianity, public confession was the norm. As centuries progressed, the sacrament evolved into individual confession. This form of confession was popularized by the Irish monks. The form of private confession at the time was done within a confessional box wherein the penitent is separated by a wooden panel from the priest who hears his confession. Now, with the new teaching of Vatican II, the sacrament has evolved to include both individual and common penitential services. With the individual confession, some are already using "reconciliation rooms" in which the penitent confesses his sins to a priest face to face. As for common penitential services, when there is an opportune time, the priest leads this and gives a general absolution to all those who attend the service. However, for very serious sins, the penitents are advised to go to individual confession as soon as possible.

Receiving the mercy and forgiveness of God in Catholic tradition

Other Christians who have started their own particular traditions do not believe in the sacramental ministry of reconciliation. Often, they would confess their sins directly to God. Catholic tradition has always been handed down from generation to generation and the clergy has been entasked with this ministry of healing and forgiveness because they are acting "in persona Christi", in the person of Christ. It is taught by the Church that the reception of God's grace does not depend on the priest. The priest is only an instrument by the Lord who acts in His name. Thus, the moral standing of the priest does not affect the grace of mercy and forgiveness received from God. The priest has been authorized by virtue of his ordination to dispense the graces of God through the sacraments.

What is the process of receiving the sacrament of reconciliation?

First, the penitent must pray for sorrow for his sins and also to pray to make a good confession. Second, he must examine his conscience. There are many guides by which the penitent can do this. A simple guide is given below:

Examine one's relationship with oneself: how have I treated my body and soul?
Examine one's relationship with others: how have I treated others in my family, in the place where I work, and among places I patronize in my neighborhood
Examine one's relationship with nature: how have I treated God's creation? have I been respectful of plants and animals, and of the environment?
Examine one's relationship with God: have I made Him the center of my life? or do I pursue idols and add prestige, success, money, position, and other worldly things in order to falsely add a cubit to my stature?

The process of confessing

When one has basically done the simple guide above, then at an opportune time, one can approach a priest who has given his time especially to hear confessions. The classic way to confess is to say:

"Father, forgive me for I have sinned"
"My last confession was [name the period]"
"These are my sins..."

As one goes on naming one's sins and sinfulness before the priest, it is good to be aware that one needs to make a good confession and to have sorrow for one's sins. Then when one has finished, the priest gives your penance. It is good to immediately perform one's penance that one may not forget what the exact things the priest has mentioned. If we do not do our penance exactly after one has confessed the natural thing that would happen is that we will forget all what the priest has said.

A sacrament that can be frequented

Although the Church has taught that the Catholic has the obligation to confess only once a year, it does not mean that we should only do so. Whenever, we find the need for healing and forgiveness, then let us approach the sacrament in humility as often as we can. Together with the sacrament of the Eucharist, the sacrament of Reconciliation shall help us gain God's grace and blessings and strength in order for us to be holy in His name and live a good Christian life. We are called to let the light of Christ enter our souls and also lead others to be close to that light by our simple witness.