Healing & Reconciliation Exam

apocalyptic

A style of writing (especially in the Bible) that uses symbolic imagery to describe the end times and God’s final judgment.

resuscitation

Bringing someone back to life temporarily (unlike resurrection, which is eternal life after death).

conversion

A turning of heart toward God; a change in belief or behavior to align with God's will.

act of contrition

a prayer expressing sorrow for sins and the desire to change

penitents

people who confess their sins and seek forgiveness

law of retribution

the ancient belief that suffering is a punishment for sin

excommunication

a serious penalty where someone is cut off from receiving the sacraments due to grave sin

hesed (Hebrew concept)

GOd’s faithful, loyal, merciful love for his people

extreme unction

an old term for the Anointing of the Sick, once only used at the point of death, Latin “last anointing”

imperfect contrition

sorrow for sin due to fear of punishment or loss of heaven

absolution

the priest’s prayer that forgives sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; God’s mercy is given

forgiveness

letting go of the desire for revenge, God’s gift of mercy and pardon

venial sin

a lesser sin that weakens but doesn’t break one’s relationship with God

indulgence

a remission of temporal punishment due to sin, granted by the Church under certain conditions

purgatory

a state of purification for souls who die in God’s friendship but need to be cleansed of venial sins before entering heaven

life transformation

a change in the way a person lives, rooted in God’s grace and forgiveness

communal celebration of Penance

a group service that includes Scripture, examination of conscience, and individual confession

2 sacraments of Healing?

Reconciliation (Penance) and Anointing of the Sick; offers spiritual strength, peace, and grace, helping the faithful find emotional and spiritual healing

Reconciliation (Penance)

heals the soul through the forgiveness of sins

Anointing of the Sick

strengthens and heals those who are ill or near death; only priests and bishops are ministers

original sin

the inherited human tendency toward sin, originating with adam and eve

personal sin

sins that individuals commit by choice

relation to suffering

sin introduced suffering and death into the world, but not all suffering is a result of personal sin

Jesus’ challenge

he rejected the belief that illness was a punishment for sin and showed that God’s love and healing are for all

mortal sin

serious sin that breaks one’s relationship with God

venial sin

less serious, damages but doesn’t destroy one’s connection to God

real conversion

sincere change of heart and behavior toward God; ongoing process, not just a one-time moment

perfect contrition

sorrow for sin out of love for God

importance of contrition in reconciliation

contrition shows the desire for change and opens the heart to God’s mercy

essential elements of reconciliation

1. contrition (sorrow)

2. confession (sorrow)

3. absolution (forgiveness by the priest)

4. penance (act of reparation)

penance

helps us repair the damage caused by sin and turn our hearts back to God

spiritual effects of reconciliation

• reconciliation with God and the Church

• peace of conscience

• spiritual strength to resist future sin

when is Anointing of the Sick offered?

to those seriously ill, elderly, or facing surgery

purpose of Anointing of the Sick?

spiritual healing, strength, and sometimes physical healing; preparation for eternal life if death is near; continues Jesus’ ministry of compassion and healing

symbols and prayers of Anointing of the Sick?

• holy oil

• laying on of hands

• prayers for healing and forgiveness

healing in Christian life

essential for growing closer to God and living in peace with others; both spiritual and physical healing reflect God’s love

why does healing matter in the Church?

Jesus commanded us to heal and forgive; it’s central to the Church’s mission

personal reflection

when you’ve experienced pain, guilt, or failure, the Church’s message of healing and second chances helps you grow in faith, hope, and love

4 dimensions of Penance

• memorial

• celebration

• communion

• transformation

when were private confessions established?

7th century

when were confessions before Eucharist established (how it is today)?

middle ages

what was the 2nd Vatican Council’s role in Penance?

new rite of Penance called to ongoing love & friendship convenant

3 ways to celebrate Penance?

• private individual confession

• communal celebration w/ individual confession & absolution

• communal celebration with general confession & absolution

how did Jesus heal?

1. physically

2. exorcisms

3. resuscitation

redemptive suffering

our suffering can be offered up as a sacrifice for the grace of others

viaticum

the last reception of Holy Communion, may be brought by deacon if no priest is available