The Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance has evolved over the years, always in harmony with its biblical roots.

After his Resurrection, Jesus told the apostles, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained" (John 20:23).

The Letter of James says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful" (5:16).

Confessing one's sins to someone designated by the Church reaffirms our belief that God can act through created things and through people. That belief helps us understand Jesus' Incarnation and the sacraments.

During his earthly life, Jesus was a visible sign, a sacrament, of God's love. After Jesus' Ascension, the Church continues that sign, although imperfectly this side of heaven. The Sacrament of Penance flows from Jesus' Incarnation and his followers' sense of communion with God and each other.

Confession has been the occasion for many people to appreciate how much God loves them and how much they have resisted that love.

Most parishes schedule a Penance service during Lent, with opportunity for individual confession. Why not participate in one of them?