Had a student ask me this in CCD? Can anyone answer this one? I am figuring that it is unconditional so long as the penitent has a contrite heart when seeking forgiveness. Please Advise anyone. Thanks
Arnold
As the question came up in CCD I think that you should try and understand the underlying question. Is it just about the sacrament of reconciliation, or is it more general? I get the impression that it is from a non-Catholic who has previously been taught that Godās pardon is unconditional for all believers, and now is somewhat confused by the more stringent demands of Catholicism in the sacrament of reconciliation. He (or she) seems to be wondering: āif Godās forgiveness is unconditional, then why do I have to confess to a priest, and, if I have to confess, why is it so complex? Mortal sins, venial sins, contrition, penance, absolution, etcā¦ā.
With regard to the sacrament itself the important thing to remember is that the priest acts in the person of Christ as both judge and pardoner. After hearing your confession he will judge whether you are sufficiently contrite to be absolved, and he will assume that the contrition is sufficient unless there are signs to the contrary. If he is in doubt then he will ask questions, and possibly whithhold absolution.
If he decides to grant absolution, which he will do in the vast majority of cases, then it is final, ie. unconditional. He, the priest as judge, has deemed you to be contrite and absolved you of your sins. The penitient should not have any second thoughts about his or her confession, such as āWas I sufficiently contrite?ā.
This thread might be helpful:
Is it the confessorās (priestās) responsibility to ensure that a confession is valid?
As to the necessity of the sacrament itself, rather than the idea of direct forgiveness without a priest, it would be best to read the
Catechism section on Reconciliation, in particularā¦
1484 "Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession."95 There are profound reasons for this. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses every sinner: "My son, your sins are forgiven."96 He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them.97 He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal confession is thus the form most expressive of reconciliation with God and with the Church.
