After Baptism, Christians can still fall into sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is the sacrament of forgiveness: God restores communion through the Church's words of absolution and the sincere repentance of the faithful. The passages from John and Corinthians are summarized thematically; lengthy dialogues are not quoted.
The foundational catechesis includes: interior repentance, confession, penance (satisfaction as directed by the priest), and receiving forgiveness. The Catechism Part Two presents details; reputable diocesan ministries often provide practical guidance.
After the Resurrection, the Gospel of John records the Lord giving the Holy Spirit and entrusting the power of forgiving or retaining sins to the Apostles (John 20:19–23 — read the entire passage of the appearance). The second letter to the Corinthians speaks of the ministry of reconciliation and the role of the ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:14–21; it is advisable to read the entire context of “reconciliation in Christ”).
Đối chiếu bản gốc
Compare with the original Open John 20:19–24 and 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 in the approved Bible.
Bí mật tuyệt đối
The priest is bound by absolute secrecy regarding the sins confessed — this protects the trust and courage to return to mercy.
Các yếu tố của bí tích trong Sách Giáo lý
The Catechism Part Two on The Sacrament of Reconciliation (usually §1422–1498 depending on the edition) presents the return to God after having been baptized: there must be repentance (sorrow and determination to amend), confession to a duly authorized priest (for serious sins after baptism), the words of absolution from the minister, and penance (the good deed or prayer assigned by the priest) to heal the consequences of sin. John 20:22–23 and 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 are understood as entrusting to the Church a ministry of forgiveness that is real — not replacing the unique mercy of God but rather the sacrament that He grants to His People. The catechesis also distinguishes between perfect contrition and imperfect contrition and explains the role of absolute secrecy as protecting the sacrament rather than arbitrary power. The excerpts from these passages on vatican.va help avoid reducing “confession” to mere psychology or social oversight.
