Reconciliation
By Mike Lambrecht
As you know, sin separates us from God and Mortal (Serious) Sin breaks our relationship with Him. The Sacrament of Reconciliation “reconciles” us to God and restores our relationship to Him and to the community of His people, the church.1
This Monday we all have the wonderful opportunity to answer the call of John the Baptist, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”1 The precepts of the Church tell us that, “You shall confess your [serious] sins at least once a year.”2 However, most theologians urge going to confession at least during the periods of Advent and Lent.
There are five criteria that must be met in order to make a good confession. They are:
Examine your conscience. (This is often done by examining your life in relation to how you have lived out the Ten Commandments.)
You should be sincerely sorry for your sins.
It is necessary to confess all of the mortal sins that you can remember and the number of times that you committed them to the best of your memory to the priest.
While it is not strictly necessary to confess venial sins, you are encouraged to do so.
Lastly, do the penance that the priest gives you.
If you follow these five simple rules, you will be blessed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.
If you are afraid to go to confession you are not alone. A wise priest once asked me, “If you knew that you were going to die tomorrow, would you go to confession?” I think that this question really puts Reconciliation into perspective. If you are still hesitant it may be helpful to know that the priest may not disclose any information he is told in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in any way. This is called the Seal of Confession. He is to hold your information confidential even under penalty of death. To do otherwise incurs an automatic excommunication for the priest.4
Jesus calls us to himself, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Let us answer the call and go to him.
1 CCC 1468-1469, 1855
2 The Catholic Sourcebook by Rev. Peter Klein
3 Matthew 3:2
4 Code of Canon Law Canon 983-984, 1388