FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION- #3

This column is about the rite for reconciliation of individual penitents and the place where this sacrament is celebrated.

First, the place. Every parish has a reconciliation chapel situated ideally near the baptismal font. Baptism is the first plank of reconciliation; penance is the ongoing plank offered penitents. The chapel gives two options: the penitent can choose to kneel anonymously or can sit across from the priest. An icon or crucifix will convey that the space is for prayer, not psychotherapy or problem solving.

How does one do the ritual prayer today?

First, the introduction. No longer do we begin with "Bless me Father." (That belonged to the rite before 1973). One begins by sitting or kneeling. The priest speaks first; he welcomes."When the penitent comes to confess his sins, the priest welcomes him warmly and greets him with kindness (Rite of Penance #41)." Penitent and priest make the sign of the cross. Then "the priest invites the penitent to have trust in God, in these or similar words:"The Lord does not wish the sinner to die but to turn back to him and live. Come before him with trust and mercy (Ezechiel 33:11)." Or:"If you have sinned do not lose heart. We have Jesus Christ to plead for us with the Father: he is the holy one, the atonement for our sins and for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2)."

Second, listening to Scripture. The priest or the penitent (Rite of Penance #17) reads a portion of holy Scripture to indicate God's mercy and the call to conversion. (A large selection of biblical reading is offered in the Rite of Penance). The reading need not be long. It should be voiced reverently so that the word can enter the heart.

Third, confessing one's sin. The person then confesses their sins. The Rite gives good direction here. "If necessary, the priest helps the penitent to make an integral confession and gives him suitable counsel. He urges him to be sorry for his faults, reminding him that through the sacrament of penance the Christian dies and rises with Christ and is thus renewed in the pascal mystery. The priest proposes an act of penance which the penitent accepts to make satisfaction for sin and to amend his life. The priest should make sure that he adapts his counsel to the penitent's circumstances (Rite of Penance #44.)" The penance is medicinal. Its purpose is to heal wounds caused by sin.

Fourth, the prayer of sorrow (formerly the act of contrition). "The priest then askes the penitent to express his sorrow, which the penitent may do in these or similar words (Rite of Penance #45). "The rite offers ten prayer formulas. The penitent can say any one of these. (Cards for the penitent - with amply large print - can be made available). Or if the penitents wish, they may pray with their own words.

Fifth, absolution."The priest extends his hands over the penitent's head or at least extends his right hand and says the payer of absolution. The priest then says."Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good." The penitent says "His mercy endures forever." The liturgy ends when the priest dismisses the penitent.