Lent: Week Four

“Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” 

People arrived somewhat timidly for the Reconciliation Learning Session.  Fr. Luke and I greeted them, asked them to make nametags and handed out worship aids.  I could tell that many carried their fears about Reconciliation with them as they entered our space.     

Some of the group were there because they’ll be confirmed in May, and they hadn’t been to Reconciliation since second or third grade.  They talked about how they could count the number of times they’ve been to Reconciliation on one hand.  These youth know that Reconciliation is important, but they don’t really understand it.  They certainly don’t know an Act of Contrition or remember what to do when they enter the confessional. 

Others in the group were the parents of these same youth.  They remember the old confessionals, reciting their grocery list behind a screen and in the dark from a cold, hard kneeler.  These people remember at least parts of the Act of Contrition, but most of them haven’t used it in a while.  They know Reconciliation is important too, but they haven’t found time to go: they’re not sure that confessing to a priest is any different than confessing to any other person.

Still more of the group were those people who were already grown during Vatican II.  They remember that missing Mass was a mortal sin, and that missing daily prayers was something worth confessing.  Their Act of Contrition includes “thee, heartily sorry, and pains of hell.”  They know Reconciliation is important, but they don’t really understand the changes that happened after Vatican II.  Some of them have been hurt by a particularly uncharitable priest along the way, or they’re carrying the burden of guilt from sins no longer considered serious that they can’t seem to lose.  Most of these people attend Reconciliation during the holidays and on a semi-regular or regular basis. 

Fr. Luke addressed the group, sharing with them the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  “You don’t have to follow any particular script” he said.  “Just come with an open heart and share about how your faith life is going.”  He told us that at the end of Reconciliation he will give penance not as a punishment or retribution, but rather, “in thanksgiving for God’s presence and this experience.”  He usually asks people to do a special act of kindness as a way for us to show our appreciation for God’s love and mercy. 

Click the arrow for more