Reconciliation

is when a Christian, aware of the sinfulness of his/her life, responds to Jesus' call to conversion ('Repent and believe in the gospel') by seeking God's forgiveness and resolving by the help of his grace to sin no more. The penitent speaks to a priest about particular sins or areas of his/her life that seem troubled and then receives sacramental absolution. In this beautiful prayer the penitent hears how God has sent the Holy Spirit amongst us for the forgiveness of sins; how through the ministry of the Church they will receive pardon and peace; and how it is Christ himself who wipes away the ugliness of sinfulness with the words: 'I absolve you of your sins'.