THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH: 

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

Bishop Paul S. Coakley

The Precepts of the Church, which I have reflected on in my last two articles, highlight the connection between living an upright moral life and the strength we draw from the Church’s liturgy and sacraments. 

As the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “The five precepts of the Church are meant to guarantee for the faithful the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer, the sacramental life, moral commitment and growth in the love of God and neighbor” (431).  The second and third precepts of the Church, which concern our reception of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) and the Eucharist, clearly set such minimum standards.  We cannot neglect these without seriously impeding our progress in the Christian life.  In this article I will reflect on the second precept.

THE SECOND PRECEPT of the Church states, “You shall confess your sins at least once a year” (CCC 2042).  This requirement is aimed particularly at those who are conscious of grave sin so that they might be properly disposed to receive the Eucharist (in accord with the third precept).  

The question arises: Is once a year enough?  Recall that these precepts are concerned with the “indispensable minimum”.  As a response to the love and mercy of God, Christians should never be satisfied with the minimum.   Through our Baptism we are called to become saints and ought to be striving after whatever will lead us toward greater holiness.  Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is an effective means for growth in holiness.  The frequency will vary from person to person, but I recommend monthly confession as a good rhythm for most Catholics.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is given to us by Christ not only to prepare us to receive the Eucharist worthily, but also to assist us in the process of conversion begun in Baptism.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation provides the healing grace we need to overcome the harmful and even deadly effects of sin and to find strength in our battle against temptation. 

THERE ARE, OF COURSE, different degrees of sin depending on their gravity and effects.  Venial sin damages our relationship with God and weakens our resolve against further sin.  Mortal sin, as the name implies, is deadly.  It is a grave violation of God’s law, robbing the soul of divine charity and destroying the life of grace within us.  In order to be forgiven, we must have sorrow for our sins, turning away from them and turning again to God.  This means that we will also resolve to avoid such sins in the future. 

Those who have committed mortal sin must receive the Sacrament of Penance and be reconciled to God and the Church before receiving the Eucharist again.  This is the heart of the second precept of the Church.  Those who receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ while in mortal sin compound their sin by committing a sacrilege. 

Given the importance of this Sacrament, the Church’s pastors have a serious obligation to teach and preach about the importance of the Sacrament of Penance and to be generous in making it available to the faithful.  Whether as the necessary path to reconciliation for those who have committed grave sin, or as a spiritual remedy for those advancing along the path of holiness, the Sacrament of Penance is a privileged moment of encounter with the mercy of God. 

The Register, Friday June 15, 2007