Luke 5:20 says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven’”
- The Setting: Jesus was teaching in a crowded house. Four friends carried a paralyzed man on a mat. Because the crowd blocked the door, they climbed to the roof. They dug through the roof tiles and lowered the man right in front of Jesus.
- Seeing Their Faith: Jesus noticed the bold effort of the friends. He responded to their spiritual need before their physical one.
- The Reaction: The religious leaders (Pharisees and teachers of the law) watched closely. They thought Jesus committed blasphemy because they believed only God can forgive sins.
- The Miracle: To prove He had the authority to forgive sins, Jesus told the paralyzed man to get up, take his mat, and walk home, and the man did immediately.
The Catholic Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) is a spiritual healing where a person confesses their sins to a priest and receives God’s forgiveness.
Before Confession
- Examine your conscience: Review your thoughts, words, and actions using the Ten Commandments to identify sins.
- Be truly sorry: Feel genuine contrition for your wrongs and resolve not to repeat them.
Steps During Confession
- Go behind a screen or face-to-face. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession”.
- Confess your sins: State your sins simply, clearly, and honestly (mortal sins must be stated in kind and approximate number)
- Receive penance: The priest gives advice and assigns an act of penance (such as specific prayers or a good deed).
- Act of Contrition: Pray aloud to express your sorrow.
- The priest extends his hands and prays the Prayer of Absolution, freeing you from sin. You respond, “Amen.”
- Departure: The priest says, “Go in peace,” and you reply, “Thanks be to God,” then complete your penance.