Reconciliation
As humans, we tend to categorize, confine, and neatly package our emotions, actions, and especially our religion. The above definition is a clear example of that. Reconciliation is so much more than humans can ever explain. Its power goes beyond what humans will ever understand, no matter how many labels are created. Reconciliation is representative of relationship, is present in every sacrament, and has the power to free society from the pains of sin. The first part of reconciliation that is forgotten is the emphasis on relationship. The sin, which too often has been the focus of penitential rites, is first within the self. It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it makes real the Christian sinner's personal steps of conversion, penance, and peace. A person must find the strength through God to come to terms with their sins. Only then will they be able to express their sorrow to others, specifically a priest. During the absolution, the person is now free to take action over their sins. They complete the cycle of relationship by apologizing to the person they have wronged or they may give back to others in another way that is appropriate to the situation. It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest
Reconciliation is unique because it is an integral part of every other sacrament. Marriage commits two people to recognize, accept, and forgive the other person's faults in a most intimate way. Those who approach the sacrament of Penance are reconciled with the Church which has been wounded by their sins, and which by charity, by example, and by prayers, works for their conversion. Other sacraments are void of forgiveness, and reconciliation is all but forgotten. It binds us to each other and God in the image of the body of Christ. It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it gives the person the love of God who reconciles. Our hearts receive a powerful reassurance when one authorized to speak for Christ declares, "God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to Himself. Discouraged with our lives, helpless in our relationships with family and friends, and torn from our God, we commit the deepest and most terrible sins. I find no other sacrament to have this universal power. In each case, reconciliation reaffirms the relational aspect of the sacrament. The beautiful act had been given a name with extreme negative connotations: penance. In a profound sense it is also called "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the awesome power of God and of God's mercy toward sinful person. This is the part that remembers and celebrates the relationship that was broken. We have forgotten that forgiveness is far more powerful than hateful actions. This is the part that many Christians forget and it is the most crucial.
Common topics in this essay:
,
Anointing Sick,
God God's,
God Reconciliation,
God I'm,
Kathleen Hughes,
Reconciliation Greek,
Holy Spirit,
God Father,
called sacrament,
holy spirit,
reconciliation forgotten,
element relationship,
sacrament penance,
|
Acceptance Essays
