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June 3, 2021As we come out of the COVID desert and return to more normal routines, I thought it might be timely to offer reflections on the Precepts of the Church. These precepts (think “guardrails”) that I have reflected upon in my last two columns, highlight the connection between living an upright moral life and the spiritual strength we draw from the Church’s liturgy and sacraments.
As the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “The five Precepts of the Church are meant to guarantee for the faithful the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer, the sacramental life, moral commitment and growth in the love of God and neighbor” (431). The second and third Precepts of the Church, which concern our reception of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) and the Eucharist, clearly set such minimum standards.
We cannot neglect these without seriously hindering our progress in the Christian life. In this article I’ll reflect on the second precept.
The second Precept of the Church states, “You shall confess your sins at least once a year” (CCC 2042). This precept is aimed particularly at those who are conscious of grave sin so that they can be properly disposed and worthy to receive the Eucharist (in accord with the third precept). The question arises: Is once a year enough? Recall that these precepts are concerned with the “indispensable minimum.”
As our response to the love and mercy of God, we Christians should never be satisfied with the minimum. Through Baptism we all are called to become saints and ought to be striving after whatever will lead us toward greater holiness and deeper friendship with God.
Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is a necessary remedy for sin and an effective means to help us grow in holiness. The frequency will vary from person to person depending on their history and their habits, but I recommend monthly confession as a good rhythm for most Catholics.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is given to us by the Lord not only to prepare us for a worthy and fruitful reception of Holy Communion, but also to assist us in the process of conversion and sanctification begun in Baptism. The Sacrament of Reconciliation reconciles us with God and the Church, but it also provides the healing grace and remedies we need to overcome the harmful and even deadly effects of sin. It strengthens us and keeps us vigilant in our battle against temptation and human weakness.
There are, of course, different degrees of sin depending on their gravity and effects. Venial sin damages our relationship with God and weakens our resolve against further sin. Mortal sin, as the name implies, is deadly. It is a grave violation of God’s law, robbing the soul of divine charity and destroying the life of grace within us.
In order to commit a mortal sin, three elements must be present: the act or omission must be grave, we must know it is gravely wrong and we must choose to do it anyway. All three elements are required.
In order to be forgiven, we must have genuine sorrow for our sins, turn away from them and turn again to God. This means we also will resolve to avoid such sins in the future. Those who have committed mortal sin must receive the Sacrament of Penance and be reconciled to God and the Church before receiving the Eucharist again. This is the heart of the second Precept of the Church. Those who receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ while in mortal sin compound their sin by committing a sacrilege.
Given the importance of this Sacrament, the Church’s pastors have a serious obligation to teach and preach about the importance of the Sacrament of Penance and to be generous in making it available to the faithful.
Whether as the necessary means of reconciliation for those who have committed grave sin, or as a spiritual remedy for those advancing in the way of discipleship toward the path of holiness, the Sacrament of Penance is a privileged moment of encounter with the mercy of God. What a precious gift!