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The Sacrament of Confession; 21st Century perspectives
Receiving Christ in communion during the Holy Eucharist is the foundation of living in communion with God, with people, with nature, and with the whole creation. Any act which breaks our communion with God and with God’s creation can be described as a serious sin. Sin is historically viewed as staying off the path, and getting lost from the communion of God. It is for this reason that in most of the Orthodox churches examination of conscience (if necessary going to sacramental confession) is an integral part of the preparation for communion. However, unlike an instant or ritualistic practice confession is an ongoing process of trying to see our life,…
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Sanctification of Church: Confession and Purification Leads to Cross
“Who do people say that I am?” Jesus further asks this question to his disciples. “Who do you say I am?” They mumbled and gave him ‘others’ opinion! But he was looking for a personalized reply; “I say…” not a, “Someone says…” This situation is true for us too. We always depend on jargons and text book definitions to answer this question. But Christ is straight away rejecting ‘second-hand’ testimonies! “Who do you say I am?” No other question will ever be as important to us, as this one question. Peter’s declaration was indeed a confession which leads to a holistic purification. This confession and purification helped St. Peter and…