Reconciliation: Father Matthew Presents the Sacraments

A teaching piece on the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession), one of the sacraments in the Episcopal Church. The sixth of eight videos that Episcopal priestblogger, the Rev. Matthew Moretz, is producing on the sacraments, the outward and visible signs of the inward and spiritual graces of God. This will be the sixth of eight videos in a forthcoming DVD. Father Matthew is the Curate (assistant priest) at Christ's Church (Episcopal), Rye, NY

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Sacrament
• Episcopal
• Reconciliation
• Confession

[CASSMAN777]

I thought you were at a church in Yonkers, NY?

[FatherMatthew]

New job. See 4 videos ago.

[Trailbzr]

Father, good to see you're back. (I imagine you're pretty busy around Christmas.)

I see Baptism; which are the other vids about sacraments?

[FatherMatthew]

I will fill them in later, because I have a set order for the DVD (for example, Eucharist will be #2 but I'm not ready for that one yet!)

[FatherMatthew]

I know it is not the sixth video, but it will be for the upcoming DVD!

[daniel01141975]

People who are gay are welcomed as children of God. In my confirmation class located in a parish in Alabama (center of "bible belt") a girl asked about the churches position on sexual orientation (and abortion-she was hitting all the controversial buttons). Our Pere said "If you are a person who is gay the Episcopal church is where you belong. We are your church." It is unfortunate that the media has been flooded with the "bishop" in Uganda screaming isolated verses.

[exlancs]

I didn't realise the priest would ask for the penitent's prayers. My experience of (most) priests is that they are aloof and other worldly, not like us 'mere mortals'. I think the Church has a big credibility problem - on the one hand it talks of love and forgiveness and then says that certain members of society (such as gay people)aren't welcome. I wish there were many more Father Matthews spreading the true message of the Christian faith.

[stephent891]

Radiohead and The National in the same video? Awesome.

[CommieThreat]

Father Matthew, I've left comments scattered throughout, but the parish profile for Good Shepherd in Ogden, UT is nearly complete, when it gets submitted to the Church headquarters in NYC... you should apply to be the rector!!!

[jedi0424]

And we do use the Scripture in the rite itself.....Confession (in the Anglican Church of Canada) usually opens with the recitation of Psalm 51 or a portion of Psalm 103

also Hebrews is not a particularly good proof text to use, as it states clearly that sins after baptism won't be forgiven Hebrews 10:26.....

We have to remember to read scripture as a whole and not just in bits.....btw, the scriptural basis for Confession is John 20:23 and 1 John 1:9 among others. :)

[jedi0424]

It is important to note here that penance is not a judicial punishment, but rather that the prayers, fasting, almsgiving, acts of charity etc. which were prescribed were meant as a sort of spiritual medicine to help us conform more faithfully to the image of Christ

[jedi0424]

"Of course. I have no problem discussing my difficulties with Christian brothers"

In essence, this is where the current form of Confession stems from......

In the 6th centuries, those who had committed grave sins would venture out into the desert to visit with the holy monks and hermits that were examplars of Christian living......under the spiritual guidance of these desert fathers, they would perform acts of penance to restore their tranquility...

[in2food]

Of course. I have no problem discussing my difficulties with Christian brothers. My study of his word is how I realize where I go wrong. That and the Spirit speaking to my spirit. When I go to God I am confronting my condition head on and seeking the only real remedy, the grace of God and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I ask absolution directly from the only one who gives it, Christ. No need to add extraneous steps. Check out Hebrews. We now have the right to enter the Holy of Hollies.

[in2food]

I'm with you on sitting under a pastor or priest. That is why the office of pastor is specified in the Bible. The Bible is also a valuable source of information as to handling such temptations. In fact the Bible is THE ultimate source. We would all do well to seek more info from the bible and less from Clergy. And lets not forget "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" 1 Timothy 2:5. So I suggest going right to the mediator. No need for a 2nd mediator.

[jedi0424]

It is one thing to know we are sinners.....it is entirely another to admit that out loud and and to risk public shame and humiliation....

Also, remember that an integral part of Confession is spiritual guidance from the priest as to how to overcome the impulses that lead to the sin in the first place....thus, encouraging the penitent to live in closer relationship with Christ :)....

[jedi0424]

Confession is more than simply absolution......it is about confronting sin head on....and realizing where you fall short in the faith, and to speak it with your lips.