Category Archives: Rite of Penance

Is Penance Working?

Posted on 9 November 2019 by

An interesting thread disappeared at PrayTell in which the blog author asked a direct and challenging question: Is the Sacrament of Penance working for Catholics? I would say yes–for a small minority of us. I would say that there’s no … Continue reading →

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Reconciliation Lectionary: Job 14:13-17

Posted on 24 July 2019 by

In preparing my parish’s summer Bible study, I’ve gone deeper into the book of Job than ever. In the midst of the whining, lament, sarcasm, accusations, and preaching, I’ve found the occasional gem. What do you make of this passage? … Continue reading →

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Holy Saturday Confessions

Posted on 20 April 2019 by

Some parishes offer a confessor’s time. Others do not. Sometimes the reasons for either are good. Or well-intentioned. For the record, a celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is not forbidden on Holy Saturday. I can’t honestly recall a parish … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Rite of Penance | 1 Comment

Reconciliation Lectionary: Matthew 22:34-40

Posted on 28 January 2017 by

A similar passage may be found in Mark, at 12:28-34. We covered that one on this post. The Lucan parallel is in verses 25-28 of that Gospel’s tenth chapter. That brief passage is not given as an option in the … Continue reading →

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Open Thread on Accounts and Guarantees

Posted on 28 July 2016 by

From our occasional commenter, Dick Martin cited Hebrews 10:9-14(NKJV): (T)hen He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through … Continue reading →

Posted in Rite of Penance | 33 Comments

The Armchair Liturgist: Slowing Prayers

Posted on 19 June 2016 by

The Benedictine monks at St Martin’s Abbey have a careful pace to the psalms and certain texts, like the Lord’s Prayer. I was caught a few times, but even in a smallish community of twenty-something, it’s easy to get back … Continue reading →

Posted in Rite of Penance, The Armchair Liturgist | 2 Comments

Reconciliation Lectionary: Micah 6:7-15

Posted on 6 April 2016 by

Continuing from the first part of Micah, chapter six, we come to the conclusion offered by the prophet on the question of what should we do to be just, in the right, or “good” in God’s eyes. Earlier the prophet … Continue reading →

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