[SoothingDave]

The prayers are our way of showing our humility and gratitude for the forgiveness granted to us.

It's more than that. The forgiveness has already been granted before any penance is undertaken. Penance is for repairing the damage done by sin, which is distinct from forgiveness. Penance is returning the stolen money to the bank.

Without mixing Catholicism with Star Trek too much, penance is for repairing the rift in the temporal existence.

SD

[al_c]

Without mixing Catholicism with Star Trek too much, penance is for repairing the rift in the temporal existence.

Thanks for the extra input. Live long and prosper.