Draft:Sandbox

By: Jacob Pascasio, Oliver Kazandjieff, Connor Nazarian, Jack Scrymgeour, and Jayden Yoon

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is “A change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship.” Essentially, Reconciliation is the redemption for partaking in sins, and restores friendly relations. In addition, reconciliation has six aspects. Firstly, there is the greeting and welcome, in which the priest welcomes you, makes the sign of the cross with you, and reminds you of God’s infinite mercy. Secondly, you confess your sins to the priest; in return, he may offer spiritual advice or guidance. Thirdly, there is penance, which could be a prayer, a good work, or some other type of offering by the priest to help you repair the harm the sin has caused. Fourthly, there is act of contrition, during that time you express sorrow for your sins. Fifthly, there is absolution, where the priest offers you God’s pardon and peace through the ministry of the Church. Lastly, the priest asks you to “go in peace," concluding Reconciliation.

How did Jesus initiate and participate in the Sacrament in His time?

Jesus participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in multiple ways. For example, on Easter Sunday Jesus appeared to his Apostles and gathered in the Upper Room where they had eaten the Last Supper. The Apostles, were fearful and shrank back, but then Jesus spoke the following reassuring words: “Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, ‘Peace be to you!’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced at the sight of the Lord. He therefore said to them again, ‘Peace be to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained” St. John (20:19-23). In other words, Jesus was saying, “As God, I have the power to forgive sin. I now entrust the use of that power to you. You will be my representatives. Whatever sins you forgive, I shall forgive. Whatever sins you do not forgive, I shall not forgive.” In addition, Jesus also participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation by his death on the cross. Jesus Christ redeemed man from sin and from the utter consequences from his sin and from the eternal death that is sin’s due.  

How is Jesus present in the Sacrament today?

Jesus is present in the Sacrament today after Baptism. Jesus was aware that many of us would forget our brave and Baptismal promises and commit grave sins after Baptism. He was also aware that many of us would lose the grace, the sharing in Gods life which came to us in Baptism. Due to God’s mercy he it would be inevitable that he would provide a second, third forth, etc chance for those people who would relapse into sin.

Sources

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/reconciliation.html

Textbook page: 208

I like to gas my bass, and enjoy dank, spicy, cremated dog with a nice fresh helping of whipped random.