Posted on 03/25/2007 12:52:43 PM PDT by NYer
Penance is similar to a hangover, and in more than one way - for, like a hangover, it ends in drinking more of the same stuff used the evening before.
???? Maybe I am a little slow, but not sure I understand your comment ????
Say what?
Well, "starting a new life' usually means continuing in the old vices with a renewed vigor. Ditto for the absolvees.
Ever been to confession?
So you are mocking the Sacrament?
been to hangover. And I'm an atheist.
Hey thanks for the link to todays scripture GSlob....
oh high and mighty GSlob, cast away the first stone!
I just love the communal reconcilation mention, aways makes me groan
Actually, I was quoting, as both the imagery and the expression are not mine[forgot whom I was quoting - must be either Mencken or Bierce]. But that's OK, you could take it as mockery.
It's different. I was an Episcopalian before, and they have general (communal) confession. The first time I went to auricular confession, I knew I was in the presence of God. It is an awe-inspiring experience.
Repeated or besetting sins are handled differently by an astute confessor. And with grace and faith even they can be overcome.
Not saying it's easy -- but it's easier than trying to go it alone.
I know its an open thread, but disagreements and mockery are not really necessary either.
The Communal Penance Service does nothing. It isn't valid because it is only authorized in certain circumstances (imminent death, military deployment). A priest cannot hold a communal penance service for any reason and grant blanket absolution. At least I know the Chicago Archdiocese has prohibited Communal Penance Services that grant general absolution.
The best thing I've found for overcoming is "Noah the Patriarch" Armenian brandy, XXX- 30 years old, at $45 a bottle. One 750ml bottle could suffice for 4-5 overcomings, and with the unsurpassed grace on the palate. It is truly uplifting, ad coelum levavit, as Michelangelo used to say [but he was more into Trebbiano].
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That's my point. And this dippy article is talking about it like it's a great new "reform" thing. Like they know the difference.
They seem to be unaware that going to a "communal penance service" is basically just preparation for going to individual confession. Communal penance is not a magic wand. I think the Bishop needs to do a bit more catechesis in that diocese!
"Two years ago, Our Lady of Assumption Church remodeled its confessionals, putting in windows to bring in natural light and widening the doors to make it more accessible for the disabled.
After the remodel, the number of confessions increased so much that the time for Fitzgerald to hear confessions jumped from 30 minutes to three hours.
"I am never, ever sitting in the confessional waiting for someone to come in," he said."
Can't argue against that though, certainly positive development.
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