Sunday, January 15, 2017
Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 230 - Part I.
(Youcat answer) Penance is making
restitution or satisfaction for a wrong that has been committed. Penance must
not take place exclusively in my head; I must express it in acts of charity and
in solidarity with others. One does penance also by praying, fasting, and
supporting the poor spiritually and materially.
A deepening through CCC
(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).
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Penance is often misunderstood. It has
nothing to do with low self-esteem or scrupulosity. Penance is not brooding
over what a bad person I am. Penance frees and encourages us to make a new
start.
(CCC Comment)
(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).
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