7/JESUS
7/1 PENANCE/RECONCILIATION
JESUS FORGAVE A SINFUL WOMAN. A
woman who was a sinner learned that Jesus was eating as a guest at the home of
a Jew. She went to Jesus with a small bottle filled with valuable perfume, sat
at his feet, washed them with her tears and dried them with her hair, and
anointed them with the perfume. Jesus knew that her actions were a sign of her
great love for him and a request for forgiveness. He said to her that her sins
were all forgiven because of her faith. She left in peace.
THE MERCIFUL FATHER. Jesus told the
story of a merciful father who had two sons. The younger son asked and received
his share of the inheritance. He left home and spent all his money and had to
work for food. He decided to return to his father not as his son but as a
servant. His father welcomed him back as his son and held a feast in his honor.
On the other hand, the older brother did not forgive his brother. Jesus teaches
us that God is our loving and forgiving Father always welcoming us back when we
have sinned.
THE RITE OF PENANCE/RECONCILIATION.
There are four parts to the sacrament. 1) Before confession, one must have
sorrow for his/her sins and wishes to be forgiven. 2) One must examine his
conscience and decide what sins he has committed. 3) During confession, one
tells the priests his sins and listens for the penance and absolution. 4) After the confession, one leaves the
confessional and says the penance suggested by the priest. It is required to go
to confession at least one time each year.
