351. What is Penitence?
Penitence is a Sacrament, in which he who confesses his sins is, on the outward declaration of pardon by the priest, inwardly loosed from his sins by Jesus Christ himself.
352. What is the origin of this Sacrament?
They who came to John the Baptist, who preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, confessed their sins. Mark i. 4, 5. The Apostles were promised by Jesus Christ power to forgive sins, when he said, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. xviii. 18. And after his resurrection he actually gave them this power, saying, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. John xx. 22, 23.
353. What is required of the penitent?
Contrition for his sins, with a full purpose of amendment of life, faith in Jesus Christ, and hope in his mercy.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of. 2 Cor. vii. 10. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Ezek. xxxiii. 19. To him, that is to Jesus Christ, give all the Prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts x. 43.
354. Are there not besides certain preparations and aids to Penitence?
Such are fasting and prayer.
355. Is there not besides these a certain special mean used by holy Church for cleansing and giving peace to the conscience of the penitent?
Such a mean is the epitimia, or penance.
356. What is the epitimia?
The word means punishment. See 2 Cor. ii. 6. Under this name are prescribed to the penitent, according as may be requisite, divers particular exercises of piety, and divers abstinences or privations, serving to efface the unrighteousness of sin, and to subdue sinful habit; as, for instance, fasting beyond what is prescribed for all, or for grievous sins suspension from the holy Communion for a given time.
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