Jesus' teachings on forgiveness / sacrament of reconcillation

What does Jesus teach about forgiveness?

• In order to be forgiven by God we must forgive others

• He calls us to forgive everyone even our enemies

• To show forgiveness is an act of love

• Forgiveness also involves the person who has done wrong showing remorse

Sources fo authority for forgiveness

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” - Matthew 6:12

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” - Matthew 6:14

The Parable of the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32

What is the sacrament of reconcilliation?

people go to confession to say sorry for the wrong (sin) in their lives and to experience God’s healing through forgiveness

The process of confession may include…

• being welcomed by the priest

• the sign of the cross is made by the priest and the confessor

• there is an invitation to trust God

• a reading from the Bible

• a confession of sin

• a proposal of deeds of penance - ie acts to be completed to show that one is sorry

• a conclusion with the words, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good”

• the person confessing replies, “His mercy endures forever”

What is the belief behind attending confession?

it allows Catholics to put things right with God and to know that they have been forgiven.

Why is it encouraged catholics regularly attend confession?

Catholics believe all humans are born tainted by sin, baptism cleanses Catholics of their original sin, however this does not prevent humans from sinning, therefore Catholics attend confession to ask for forgiveness 

Why do priests listen to the confessions?

The Catholic Church believes that only God can forgive sin. But as Christ’s successors and representatives, priests have been give the power to pass on that forgiveness.

The  stages of reconcilliation

• Confession - the priest helps Catholic Christians to confess. They must say sorry and promise to change their ways.

• Penance - the priest sets a task or suggests prayers to be said in order to achieve forgiveness.

• Sorrow - Proclaim your sorrow and say a special prayer 

• Forgiveness - the priest offers forgiveness and prays as you make the sin of the cross (release from the feeling of guilt)