301. What forms does penance take in the Christian life? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp
301 repetition) 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 1438) The seasons and days of penance in the course of
the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord)
are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice (Cf. SC 109-110; CIC, cann.
1249-1253; CCEO, Cann. 880-883). These times are particularly appropriate for
spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance,
voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing
(charitable and missionary works).
On reflection
(CCC 1436) Eucharist
and Penance. Daily conversion and penance find their source and nourishment
in the Eucharist, for in it is made present the sacrifice of Christ which has
reconciled us with God. Through the Eucharist those who live from the life of
Christ are fed and strengthened. "It is a remedy to free us from our daily
faults and to preserve us from mortal sins" (Council of Trent (1551) DS
1638). (CCC 1435) Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation,
concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right (Cf. Am
5:24; Isa 1:17), by the admission of faults to one's brethren, fraternal
correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction,
acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution for the sake of
righteousness. Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus is the surest
way of penance (Cf. Lk 9:23). [END]
No comments:
Post a Comment