Sacrament of Penance

Definition
The sacrament of penance, also known as confession and reconciliation, is one of two sacraments of healing, the other being Anointing of the Sick. "Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion." (Lumen Gentium 11,2)

Obligation
The obligation to approach this sacrament applies to those who judge themselves guilty of serious sin, also called mortal because it brings death to the life of the soul. One does not commit serious sin easily or unthinkingly. There is required full consent and knowledge that the sin is grave. Anything less is not seriously sinful. Venial sins are lesser sins and are never obligatory matter for the sacrament of penance. People who are seriously committed to their spiritual lives can resolve doubts about the seriousness of sin in their own favor. Being conscientious does not include scrupulosity. Even the obligation to confess yearly as part of ones "Easter Duty" does not apply if there is no serious matter.

Use and Value
Frequency of use of this sacrament is not the same as its obligation. People are free to confess sins less than mortal. "Confessions of devotion", as they are called, can be helpful to one’s spiritual life. Venial sin is still sin and should not be taken lightly. Love for God says otherwise.

Scrupulosity
Scrupulosity is a debilitating condition in which the penitent finds sin where there is no sin or finds grave sin when there is venial sin or no sin at all. Trust in God means that one truly believes the promises of mercy and forgiveness. Confessing more sins than one has committed does not honor God nor help the spiritual growth of the penitent. Mild scrupulosity is best resolved by obedience to one’s confessor. When more serious it can be helpful to get medical treatment.

A Casual Conscience
At the other extreme from scrupulosity is the notion that almost nothing is sin, that anything is allowed as long as it does no harm to others. But the commandments are God’s laws not our own. A good balance between scrupulosity and a casual conscience requires a serious and prayerful heart.

Interior Conversion
The sacrament of penance is more than a court room where sins are adjudicated. It is a forum of conversion, a work of the grace of God who makes our hearts return to him. The resolution of amendment includes the intention to do what is necessary to avoid a particular grave sin in the future. This often requires great virtue and perseverance in the face of repeated falls. God’s grace can do for us what we can not do for ourselves. Interior conversion is the task of a life time and the door to holiness itself.

Only God forgives
The priest shares in the priesthood of Jesus and acts on His behalf and on behalf of His Church. God forgives whenever a repentant sinner turns back to Him and to His Church. Since sin both offends God and damages the Church "which they have wounded by their sins", the penitent is obliged to submit his sins to the Church in addition to asking God’s mercy.

Other Christians
Outside of Catholic church most Christian bodies do not recognize this sacrament. They advocate Jesus as their "personal savior" and thereby short circuit the need for a sacramental church and ministerial priesthood. Our belief is that Jesus laid the groundwork for a church to act in mediation between God and people of faith. This has been our faith since the beginning and remains so today.