Forgiveness at Mass

(by Paul Turner)

The sacrament of reconciliation is the church's special celebration of pardon, but forgiveness of sins is also one of the fruits of the Mass. There are many moments throughout the eucharistic celebration when the texts and gestures of the Mass express the community's sorrow for sins.

We begin with a penitential rite, which may include striking the breast in a simple gesture of sorrow. The presider then asks that God have mercy on us and forgive our sins. On Sundays this penitential rite may be replaced with a sprinkling rite, signifying our purification. While singing the Glory of God and the Lamb of God, we ask the One who takes away the sins of the world to have mercy on us. When the deacon or priest asks God to wash away his iniquity and cleanse him of sin. During the Lord's Prayer we all ask God to forgive us our sins.

And, of course, the sharing of communion itself forgives sins (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1393-94). The main purposes of Mass are to express thanks and praise to God and to sanctify the assembly through holy communion. But one of the other results is the forgiveness of sins.

The faithful who are aware of grave sin should celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation before presenting themselves for communion. Reconciliation is advised for all, no matter how light our sins may be. But the faithful struggling with ordinary sinful lives may find assurance that their participation at Mass will grant forgiveness through word, gesture and sacrament.

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