301. What forms does penance take in the Christian life? (part 1)
(Comp
301) Penance can be expressed in many and various ways but above all in
fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These and many other forms of penance can be
practiced in the daily life of a Christian, particularly during the time of
Lent and on the penitential day of Friday.
“In brief”
(CCC 1437) Reading Sacred Scripture, praying the Liturgy of
the Hours and the Our Father - every sincere act of worship or devotion revives
the spirit of conversion and repentance within us and contributes to the
forgiveness of our sins.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 1434) The interior penance of the Christian can be
expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all
on three forms, fasting, prayer, and
almsgiving (Cf. Tob 12:8; Mt 6:1-18), which express conversion in relation
to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought
about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of
sins: effort at reconciliation with one's neighbor, tears of repentance,
concern for the salvation of one's neighbor, the intercession of the saints,
and the practice of charity "which covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pet
4:8; Cf. Jas 5:20).
On reflection
(CCC 1439) The process
of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the
prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father (Cf. Lk 15:11-24): The
fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father's house; the
extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune;
his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse,
at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has
lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father;
the journey back; the father's generous welcome; the father's joy - all these
are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring,
and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life - pure worthy, and joyful
- of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the
Church. Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father's love
could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way. [IT
CONTINUES]
No comments:
Post a Comment