Sacrament of Reconciliation

From Alienation to Reconciliation Stage 1: Alienation from Self/God/Family/Community Ignorance Blindness Stage 2: Awareness Raising of Conscience Coming to Senses Waking up Hitting Bottom “ I have sinned:” Sacramental Moment

WHO SAYS I’M A SINNER? NO ONE has the right to call you a sinner or accuse you of committing a sin. It is a PERSONAL realization, a grace, a sacramental moment. You can be told that what you did was wrong or illegal or immoral, but whether or not it is a sin is between you and God. Jonathan Edwards, author of the famous Puritan sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

From Alienation to Reconciliation Stage 3: Conversion “turning around” change of heart Metanoia “think again” Stage 4: Contrition Sorrow for doing wrong

From Alienation to Reconciliation The Ritual of Reconciliation Confession—words acknowledging sinfulness Act of Contrition—words expressing sorrow Penance— action demonstrating repentance of the sinner Absolution—pronouncement of God’s forgiveness of sins

From Alienation to Reconciliation Stage 5: Reconciliation with Self/God/Family/Community Rodrigo’s reconciliation with the Guarani Indian tribe in The Mission The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt

SIN What is sin? An action that alienates us from ourselves, others, and God. What is serious sin? A very grave or serious violation of God’s law done willingly and knowingly. Also known as “mortal sin.” Cuts us off completely from God. Can only be forgiven through the Sacrament of Reconciliation

TYPES OF SIN What is venial sin? Reconciliation Eucharist Venial means “forgivable.” A less serious offense Weakens our relationship with God, but does not cut us off. Can be forgiven through any Sacrament, as long as there is true repentance. Reconciliation Eucharist

TYPES OF SIN Sin of Commission vs. Sin of Omission A sin of commission is doing something sinful; an action. A sin of omission is NOT doing something you could have done, usually for someone’s good; a lack of action. Biblical example: the two men who passed by the hurt man in the story of Good Samaritan. Modern example: passing by a homeless person without offering to help in some way.

TYPES OF SIN Personal Sin vs. Social Sin Personal sin is an individual act of wrongdoing Social sin is the wrongdoing of an entire community, usually against the common good. Biblical examples: The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures; John the Baptist; Jesus Modern Examples: The economy (why are there homeless?); justice system (why do we kill people who kill?”); human rights (Amnesty International) “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”

The Seven Deadly Sins Originally a list of mortal sins Not sins so much as underlying attitudes that can lead to sinful behavior if left unchecked Lust: excessive sexual thoughts Gluttony: overindulgence to the point of waste Greed: excessive acquisition of wealth Sloth: excessive indifference, failure to act Wrath: uncontrolled anger or hatred Envy: excessive desire of what another has Pride: excessive love of self (considered the worst of the Seven Deadly Sins because it leads to the others!)