Gospel Photo of the Week



Reconciling The Laundry, Making It Clean Again

First, you see, smell, or feel the offense on the otherwise clean garment. Then, you will examine it more closely to see the nature of the offending spot or spots, then you treat the problem with different remedies until it is gone. You rinse off the cleaning agents, then dry, fold and arrange the garment for its next use.

Taking our clothes, clothes that have been lived in, that have been used in the day to day battle that is life, tends to change the appearance, the texture or even the aroma of the once clean and fresh apparel. Some folks take it for granted or don’t even recognize the not so clean situation.

We like the touch, the smell and the look of new clothes. We are attracted to the cleanliness, the sharpness and the smell the clothes had when first brought into existence. It is always noticeable when things are clean. Reconciliation is the same process whether we are talking about materials made of cotton, leather, nylon, etc., or if we are speaking of the non-material human soul.

“Those who approach the Sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422

The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores to us the merits of our past good works if these have been lost by mortal sin.

As we know, every good work that we perform in the state of grace and with the intention of doing it out of love for God is a meritorious work. It entitles us to an increase of grace in this life and an increase of glory in heaven. Even the simplest actions – kind words spoken, thoughtful deeds performed – have this effect, not to mention prayers said, Masses offered, sacraments received.

However, mortal sin wipes out this accumulated merit, much as a one might lose life savings by one reckless gamble.

God could, with perfect justice, allow our past merits to remain forever lost even when He forgives our sins. But in His infinite goodness, He does not make us start all over again from scratch. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, not only forgives our mortal sins; it also restores to us the merits which we had so willfully cast away.

Finally, besides all its other benefits, the Sacrament of Reconciliation gives us the right to whatever actual graces we may need, and as we need them, in order that we may make atonement for our past sins and may conquer our future temptations.

This is the special “sacramental grace” of Penance; it fortifies us against a relapse into sin.

It is a spiritual medicine which strengthens, as well as heals. That is why a person intent upon leading a good life will make it a practice to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation often. Frequent Confession is one of the best guarantees against falling into grave sin. It would be the height of stupidity to say, “I don’t need to go to Confession, because I haven’t committed any mortal sins.”
Excerpts are taken from the article:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Rising Again to New Life

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