The Spirit of Sacramental Penance

Abstract

The 30th anniversary of the Exhortation Recontiliatio et Paenitentia, announced by the Holy Father John Paul II, is a good occasion to induce reflection on the meaning and sense of penance and repentance, as well as on sacramental penance. The Exhortation inspires us to embark on a journey of discovery of the evangelical spirit of penance, which in turn implies understanding of the spirit of sacramental penance. The whole Gospel is permeated with Divine Love towards a human being, revealed by God's Son - Jesus Christ. Penance and repentance should also be imbued with Love and desire for experiencing the merciful love of God by man. Hence, it is the multidimensional joy that constitutes the fruit of penance. We are able to emphasize the triple affirmation of penance, stemming from the understanding of its evangelical spectrum. Penance means: Yes said to Christ, Yes said to man and Yes said to Love. This very notion of penance negates all the old negativity concerning outer forms of penance. Moreover, it also has an effect on the "new quality" of sacramental penance, in which there is room not only for atonement but also for expression of gratitude for the gift of God's Mercy. The realization of sacramental penance, as the answer of love filled with repentance for the committed sin, and the answer to the granted, forgiving Love of God, comes from the resultant, constantly growing joy, at the same time. It is the Paschal Joy at Christ's victory over evil. Hallelujah!