Read the Catechism in a Year
Catechism in a Year: Day 142
Part One: What We Believe
- Section Two: The Christian Profession of Faith- - Chapter Three: "I Believe in ... the Forgiveness of Sins"
Question 150: Can the Church really forgive sins?
- Section Two: The Christian Profession of Faith- - Chapter Three: "I Believe in ... the Forgiveness of Sins"
Question 150: Can the Church really forgive sins?
Yes. Jesus not only forgave sins himself, he also conferred on the Church the mission and the power to free men from their sins.
Through the ministry of the priest, the penitent receives God’s forgiveness, and his guilt is wiped away as completely as if it had never existed. A priest can do this only because Jesus allows him to participate in his own divine power to forgive sins.
Question 151: What possibilities are there for the forgiveness of sin in the Church?
Fundamentally the forgiveness of sins occurs in the sacrament of Baptism. After that the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance, confession) is necessary for the forgiveness of serious sins. For less serious sins, confession is recommended. But reading Sacred Scripture, prayer, fasting, and the performance of good works also have the effect of forgiving sins.
Fundamentally the forgiveness of sins occurs in the sacrament of Baptism. After that the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance, confession) is necessary for the forgiveness of serious sins. For less serious sins, confession is recommended. But reading Sacred Scripture, prayer, fasting, and the performance of good works also have the effect of forgiving sins.
Dig Deeper: Corresponding CCC section (976-987) and other references here.
Recommended Listening: Confession by Fr. Larry Richards
This is so har=warming and reassuring! Thank you!
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