1. What is the purpose of the graces received in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

(5 points)

The sacrament of reconciliation gives us the opportunity to rekindle and deepen

our relationship with the Lord and the church. It encourages repentance, reconciliation,
and confession—all of which frequently result in the redemption of God’s love.
According to Beginning Catholic (2023), The sacrament of reconciliation is one in which
the priest, acting as God's representative, pardons sins committed after a person's
baptism if they are confessed truly and redeemed by the sinner. In this sacrament, with
the assistance of God's mercy, our vocation to holiness will become more apparent
when we rediscover the reality of sin, which will prompt us to renew.

2. Explain how the Sacrament of Reconciliation helps a person to become a better

Christian. (5 points)

The sacrament of reconciliation helps us grow as Christians by advancing our

spiritual development and friendship with God. It permits us to acknowledge our crimes
and errors and to learn from them. We can seek genuine forgiveness and hold
ourselves accountable for these transgressions through confession. Confession is
necessary for the soul to purge itself and restore our relationship with Christ. We receive
sacramental grace through confession, which aids in mending the relationships we
sever with God when we sin (Medina, 2021). Confession does not only better our
religious beliefs but also betters our spirituality.

3. If God is the one who forgives sins, then why is the Sacrament of
Reconciliation necessary? (5 points)

Confession enables us to linger on our conscience and ultimately purge it. The
sacrament of reconciliation is for our own good as much as for the glory of God. We can
develop our consciences, combat evil tendencies, allow ourselves to be healed by
Christ, and advance in the life of the Spirit by regularly confessing our venial sins (CCC,
no. 1458). The sacrament of reconciliation encourages us to seek God on our own and
take responsibility for any wrongdoing we may have committed. God has provided us
with a tremendous opportunity to get closer to him. Confession enables us to reflect on
whatever we may have done and continue to learn from it even though God already
knows of our sins without us admitting to them.

4. Explain how the Sacrament of Reconciliation addresses the dual nature of sin:
(1) sin against God and (2) sin against neighbor. (10 points)

Sin has always been a characteristic of human life and has erected a barrier
between us and God. The impact of sin on the entire world has increased the distance
between people and God. Every sin we commit has an impact on both God and our
neighbors. A conscious disobedience against God's will that exemplifies extreme human
arrogance, selfishness, and disobedience is considered a sin against Him. Any
transgression against a neighbor is an offense against God. Being dishonest with a
neighbor or in any other situation is a violation of God's trust. Sin is the failure to uphold
God's righteousness and his law, and as a result, the incomplete glorification of the
Lord. We cannot honor God if we do not also exalt others. As per Morgan (2023), Sin is
the failure to uphold God's righteousness and his law, and as a result, the incomplete
glorification of the Lord. We cannot honor God if we do not also exalt others.

5. Differentiate Mortal and Venial sins? (5 points)

A smaller sin that creates a slight barrier between man and God is called a venial
sin. It yet makes room for sanctifying grace to advance and does not entirely cut off man
from God. A mortal sin on the other hand, is a grave sin that severs whatever
relationship you may have with God. A mortal sin results in the loss of sanctifying grace,
which is the exact opposite of a venial sin. However, a sin is a sin, whether it is a grave
sin or a venial sin. To maintain a relationship with God, we must constantly make an
effort to veer away from it. But if you are sincere, I think God will forgive you no matter
how serious your transgression is because he loves every single person he has ever
created.

References
Beginning Catholic. (2023). The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation |
beginningCatholic.com. Www.beginningcatholic.com.
https://www.beginningcatholic.com/sacrament-of-reconciliation
Medina, D. R. (2021, December 14). 5 Reasons You Should Go to Confession. Catholic
World Mission. h
ttps://catholicworldmission.org/reasons-to-attend-confession/#:~:text=Confession%20all
ows%20us%20to%20hold
Morgan, C. (2023). The Nature of Sin. The Gospel Coalition.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-nature-of-sin/