"If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you."
The introduction to the revised rite of reconciliation endorses an understanding of sin and reconciliation that was already prevalent in contemporary moral theology and adds a liturgical dimension to the celebration of the sacrament which includes the elements of scripture and prayer. The whole process of sin and reconciliation is seen in the context of a conversion experience that involves a lifelong process. Sin and reconciliation are presented in terms not only of a relationship to God but also of a relationship to the Christian community. The suggested celebrations of penance only heighten the emphasis on the social nature of sin and reconciliation.
At the retreat the group discusses the sacrament of reconciliation with a priest. You are invited to participate in reconciliation with the priest that evening before mass. During the retreat you will see that you are not alone in needing forgiveness; and you will see that you can be forgiven. The retreat is a great opportunity to come back to the church and be forgiven.
Romans 3:21-31 Justification by Faith
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;
26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.