TEEN BYTES - NICK & LIZ | KAIROS GLOBAL | JUNE 2019

Author: Sharon Siby

Nick: Hey dude, my mom said that we were gonna do a spring cleaning together? Can you ask your mom when she wants to start?

Liz: Yeah, sure one sec let me ask.

Nick: Okay, thanks fam.

Liz: Hey! My mom is asking if you wanted to go to reconciliation as well.

Nick: Why tho? I only asked about spring cleaning.

Liz: Well, since we’re cleaning our houses, she suggested that we should also clean our soul. Deep, I know but she has her reasons. She said that the reason why we do spring cleaning is because back when houses were heated by a fireplace, it had to be cleaned in order to prevent heat from escaping. Also, to look out for holes or such things. Similarly, over time, there are sins that build up in our soul that can cause damage, so we need to do a “cleaning” and go to reconciliation.

Nick: Ohh I see! That was very deep dude. But honestly tho, what does reconciliation really do?

Liz: Well, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422, "Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."

Nick: So, they’re forgiven of their sin? I don’t understand why that’s such a big deal man. I mean everyone tells a little white lie every now and then. It’s not thaaattt bad. 

Liz: Dude, I don’t think you understand the seriousness of sin. “Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with him. At the same time, it damages communion with the Church” (CCC1440). That basically means that sin tears us away from God and the church, dude. 

Nick: Okay, I’m starting to see the severity of sin. So how does Jesus forgive sins? Or better yet, why can Jesus forgive sins?

Liz: Well, only God can forgive sins and as the son of God, Jesus is also able to forgive sins. Later, he entrusted the apostles with the power of absolution so that the apostles could be sent out on behalf of Christ (CCC 1441-1442).

Nick: So, all I have to do in order to get rid of my sins is to do a reconciliation, say my sins and then I’m done? I no longer have to worry about my sins? This is a pretty sweet gig yo, not too much effort.

Liz: Okay, I think you’re not fully understanding this man. Reconciliation does allow us to ask God to forgive our sins, but we still have to do penance. 

Nick: What’s a penance? You never said anything about that???

Liz: Okay, I might have not explained that part in detail, so that’s on me. Penance is what we do as atonement for our sins. "Penance requires . . . the sinner to endure all things willingly, be contrite of heart, confess with the lips, and practice complete humility and fruitful satisfaction. (CCC 1450). It’s like a punishment so that we understand the severity of sin and the distance that we placed between us and God. 

Nick: Is it hard? I’m so scared dude?!?! Why didn’t you tell me about this part??

Liz: Don’t be afraid dude! It’s not as scary as it sounds. The most important part about reconciliation is contrition. 

Nick: What’s that? That is too big of a word for my feeble mind to comprehend.

Liz: Lol, contrition is defined as "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. (CCC 1451)" It basically means feeling bad for the sins that you committed. 

Nick: So, after I do my reconciliation and my penance, will I finally be free of my sins?

Liz: Yup! After confession, we are forgiven of our sins and can change ourselves for the better. So, what do you say, wanna come with me to the church tomorrow for reconciliation?

Nick: I’m down man. See you there!