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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Why Confession?: Understanding the Heart of the Sacrament



The Sacrament of Reconciliation (i.e. Confession) is sometimes a stumbling block to our non-Catholic friends. A detailed explanation of the sacrament is not always necessary, though, if we come to understand what is at the heart of Reconciliation: humility, forgiveness and the redemptive love of our heavenly Father. 

The words of St. Paul to the Romans ring true: we have “all sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Due to Original Sin and our own actions (and inactions), our human condition is poor and imperfect (at best) or wicked and corrupt (at worst). In any case, we find that we have betrayed the goodness of God and our relationship with him has been injured. Thankfully, though, we aren’t without hope.

Christ came to earth to teach us that we “must be born from above … born of water and Spirit (see John 3:3, 5). Jesus enlightened the world and he sacrificed himself to become the Way that we can become reconciled to the Father. Christ preached not only spiritual rebirth but conversion of heart and, ultimately, redemption.

Last week at Good Cheer, we discovered (or rediscovered) who Jesus is (the Savior) and why he came to earth (“so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life”). 

Tonight at Good Cheer, we’ll examine the parable of the prodigal son—one of the most beautiful stories found in the Gospels. The story is very familiar to some but, if we are willing to look a little deeper, we might also find it challenging. 

It also sheds light on the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it reveals the Father’s heart who, despite our actions, always loves and is always patiently waiting to take us back. We’ll also hear the testimony of Kelly McCormick, the goalkeeper for the Ole Miss Rebels soccer team who is not only a dedicated student-athlete but also a devoted disciple of Christ.

See y’all tonight at 8!