303. What are the acts of the penitent? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp
303 repetition) They are: a careful examination of conscience;
contrition (or repentance), which is perfect when it is motivated by love of
God and imperfect if it rests on other motives and which includes the determination
not to sin again; confession, which consists in the telling of one’s sins to
the priest; and satisfaction or the carrying out of certain acts of penance
which the confessor imposes upon the penitent to repair the damage caused by
sin.
“In brief”
(CCC 1489) To return to communion with God after having lost
it through sin is a process born of the grace of God who is rich in mercy and
solicitous for the salvation of men. One must ask for this precious gift for
oneself and for others. (CCC 1490) The movement of return to God, called
conversion and repentance, entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed,
and the firm purpose of sinning no more in the future. Conversion touches the
past and the future and is nourished by hope in God's mercy.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 1457) According
to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion,
each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious
sins at least once a year" (Cf.
CIC, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): DS 1683; DS 1708). Anyone who is
aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if
he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental
absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is
no possibility of going to confession (Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1647;
1661; CIC, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711). Children must go to the sacrament of
Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time (Cf. CIC, can. 914).
On reflection
(CCC 1458) Without being strictly necessary, confession of
everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the
Church (Cf. Council of Trent: DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2). Indeed the regular
confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil
tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the
Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the
Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful (Cf. Lk 6:36):
Whoever confesses his sins . . . is already working with God. God indicts your
sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so
to speak, two realities: when you hear "man" - this is what God has
made; when you hear "sinner" - this is what man himself has made.
Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made.... When you
begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are
beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of
good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the
light (St. Augustine, In Jo. Ev. 12,
13: PL 35, 1491). [IT CONTINUES]
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