Reconciliation

“You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor 6:11)

To understand the seriousness of sin and our need for reconciliation we must first appreciate the magnitude of God’s gift of life given to us in Baptism. The new life in Christ received in Baptism has not abolished the frailty and weakness of human nature. We are always in need of conversion.

Sin is first and foremost an offense against a gracious God but it also damages our communion with the Church. For this reason conversion involves both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church. Only God can forgive sins. But he has entrusted to the Church the power to forgive: “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:19) The Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is every human being who seeks to separate himself from his Father in order to lead a life of independence but soon finds himself in slavery, alone and exploited and ashamed to return. But our loving Father welcomes all sinners with open arms and reconciles them to himself and the church.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday from 4:00-5:00 PM and 7:30-8:00 PM or at any time by appointment with a priest. Call 908-725-1112 to arrange an appointment.