Sacrament of Reconciliation From Alienation to Reconciliation Stage

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? � 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!)