S12 E12: Lent Book Study Part 5: Reconciliation
About This Episode
In this episode, we continue with part five of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss how Reconciliation heals the wound of shame. We chat about how we all have wounds that make us feel unlovable and send us into isolation, which opens the door for the enemy to attack us with doubts and lies about these tender places. When we go to Confession, these places are brought out of shame, into the light, and restored to the truth that we are deeply and tenderly loved by God. This Lent, we encourage you to allow God’s mercy to restore you in the sacrament of confession.
Hey friends! We know that Be Transformed is packed with incredible things, so we encourage you to not feel the need to rush. We want this to be a place where you can rest and be with the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself stuck on a chapter, we invite you to take the time you need and join us again when ready. May God bless you and bring you healing through His Sacraments!
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Show Notes
One Thing We Love This Week
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Springtime! Yay!
Heather’s one thing - Jordan Peterson
Heather’s other one thing - The song Communion by Maverick City (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake)
Michelle’s one thing - Holy Grit - Paul George (you can find on Amazon here)
Click here to check out Dr. Bob’s podcast Restore the Glory!
Discussion questions:
How have you experienced healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
How do you hide in your shame and sinfulness?
In what ways do you desire to more deeply experience the power of the sacrament?
Journal Questions:
In what ways am I hiding my sinfulness when I confess my sins?
Where do I experience shame that the Lord is inviting me to bring to Him for healing?
Have I been hurt by the brokenness of priests in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What does Jesus say to me in that wound?
When was the last time I made a good confession?
Quote to Ponder
“The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the Church’s primary means of communicating this incredible and completely underserved gift of God’s compassion and forgiveness. Through the sacrament, the Holy Spirit is capable of reaching the deepest areas of our heart that keep us in degradation and separation”
““The whole power of the sacrament of Penance [Reconciliation] consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship” (CCC, 1468). As such it heals the wounds of shame (dis-grace) and restores us to our true identity in Christ, as pure and undefiled children of the Father (see 1 Jn 3:1–3).”
“Commenting on this process, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa observes, “The Holy Spirit is the remission of all sins.” He convicts us of our sins, and then “carries out the work of purification in us from deep within our inmost being . . . melts our stony-hard heart . . . and remolds us in the image of God.””
“Jesus tells us plainly: we cannot be forgiven if we eternally refuse to acknowledge our sin and if we show contempt for God’s mercy. This is what Jesus meant when he spoke about “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” (see Mk 3:29). Though often misunderstood, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is an extreme hardness of heart, where a person is so entrenched and self-justified in his sin that he permanently and eternally refuses to recognize God’s justice or his own need for God’s mercy.”
“Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused. Raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his spiritual health by doing something more to make amends for his sin . . . this satisfaction is also called penance””
“The gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners”
“In Reconciliation and Penance, St. John Paul II adds, “This reconciliation with God leads, as it were, to other reconciliations, which repair the other breaches caused by sin. The forgiven penitent is reconciled with himself in his inmost being, where he regains his innermost truth. He is reconciled with his brethren whom he has in some way offended and wounded. He is reconciled with the Church. He is reconciled with all creation.””
Scripture for Lectio Divina
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, do not sin anymore.”
Announcements:
Join us this Lent as read Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts for our Lenten Book study. Through the guide of this book, we will discuss how the Sacraments can heal and transform your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ave Maria Press has graciously provided us a discount code if you order the book through their website. Use the code TRANSFORM at checkout to receive 25% off not only Be Transformed, but your entire order (through 3.31.23 with some exclusions)!
You can also order the book through Amazon using our affiliate link. We do receive a small commission if you use our Amazon link. Anything we receive is used to help support our ministry. Click here for Amazon in the US.
This episode is sponsored by
House of Joppa
This week’s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa. If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa. Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa. My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion which opens to reveal a place for prayer intentions, and their Last Supper print is so unique.
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