December 4, 2022 - The Purpose of Penance

Part 2 of the Advent series, "Reclaim: Believing in Christ and Belonging to His Church." What is the purpose of penance in the Christian life? It is a part of the continuing process of conversion. We want to wholeheartedly live according to the teaching and example of Christ as members of His Church. The purpose of penance is to cooperate with God to remove anything that prevents that from happening. It is an expression of love for God, ourselves, and others. We do not engage in penitential practices to wallow in guilt. We want to become freer in engaging in the opportunities that God wants us to enjoy. We serve as witnesses to the healing and reconciliating power of God in a world wounded by sin and division.