Start |1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10

8. The Sense of Sin

Many bishops in Australia and elsewhere have noted a decline in the sense of sin, stemming from the deeper reality of a crisis of faith, and having grave repercussions for the sacrament of penance. The situation calls for a renewed and energetic catechesis on the very nature of sin as opposed to salvation, and thus for a focus in sacramental praxis not only on the consolation and encouragement of the faithful, but also on instilling a true sense of contrition, of authentic sorrow for their own sins.

Catholics should come to understand more deeply Jesus’ death as a redeeming sacrifice and an act of perfect worship of the Father effecting the remission of sins. A failure to appreciate this supreme grace would undermine the whole of Christian life. They should be made fully aware, too, of the indispensable role in the reconciliation of sinners which Christ has entrusted to his Church.

COMMENTS

The Statement points to a crisis of faith which can only be addressed by a profound personal spiritual renewal.

In the Australian context our Catholic tradition provides a language and rituals that could help us deal with some issues that require conversion on a national level, such as Aboriginal reconciliation and improving our care for the environment.

There is a need to develop a moral theology which is fundamentally founded, pastoral in its approach and practical and accessible in its dealing with particular issues, including issues relating to sexuality.

What does a “sense of sin” mean? An excessive individualism and affluence have made “salvation” seem unnecessary until the bottom falls out of one’s world!

Yet there are signs in our society that there is some sense of sinfulness: the national celebrations of Sorry Days, the efforts among Christians to achieve ecumenical reconciliation, the fact that hundreds of people do come with a deep sense of seriousness and commitment to communal rites of Reconciliation.

The Church is calling for a renewed catechesis about personal sinfulness. It is also calling for a renewal of individual confession. It could be that the fall off in individual confession is connected with the lack of such catechesis, the inappropriateness of old confession timetables for modern life and a projection of guilt from the personal to the social levels.

If we can focus on the right questions in these areas and identify and name accurately what is happening, this will help in finding solutions that will benefit the Church and the wider Australian society.

QUESTIONS

In what ways do we need reconciliation today?

What does our Catholic liturgical tradition teach us about reconciliation?