Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Rising from the cross of sin to new life, the journey of Lenten reconciliation leads to Easter Resurrection and Eucharist, according to Bishop John Noonan. In an interview with the Florida Catholic staff, Bishop Noonan emphasized the importance of understanding the Sacrament of Reconciliation in order to fully appreciate and receive the grace of the Eucharist. He stated, "We’ve lost the sense of sinfulness so therefore we’re going to Communion, but we can’t appreciate it because we’re not ready."

Bishop Noonan compared the Sacrament of Reconciliation to giving food to a baby who still drinks from a bottle. He explained that just as a baby cannot take solid food, we cannot fully receive the graces of the Eucharist if we are not ready. He further emphasized that confession is not about punishment but about deepening our relationship with God. "It’s time to grow spiritually and receive insights into who we are and what God wants to do with our lives," he said.

Father Anthony Aarons, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, and Missionary of Mercy appointed by Pope Francis, also stressed the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent. He pointed out that sin blinds us from seeing the face of God and that Easter becomes the time of celebrating freedom from sin. Father Aarons quoted Jesus's words to His disciples on Easter, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Father Aarons explained that Lent can be viewed as a long period of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. By fasting from sin and confessing our sins, we prepare ourselves for the resurrection of the human spirit through Christ's resurrection. He emphasized that fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are all Lenten ways of penance, clearing the way for a deeper relationship with Christ.

Father George Nursey, parochial administrator of St. Stephen Parish in Winter Springs, highlighted the purification aspect of confession. He stated, "Going to confession purifies me to receive the grace of the Sacrament and makes me more receptive to the body and blood of Christ when I do receive it." Father Nursey challenged the notion that confession is only necessary for mortal sins and encouraged the faithful to see it as an opportunity for objective self-reflection and healing.

Father Nursey also emphasized the communal aspect of sin. He reminded us that our sins affect the rest of the Body of Christ and that confession strengthens us in the fight against evil. He encouraged the faithful to view the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a preparation and purification for receiving Christ in the Eucharist and sharing in the hope of eternal life.

In conclusion, Lenten reconciliation is a crucial step in preparing for the Easter Eucharist. Bishop Noonan, Father Aarons, and Father Nursey all emphasized the importance of understanding sinfulness, purifying ourselves, and deepening our relationship with God through confession. Only by recognizing our need for reconciliation can we fully appreciate and receive the grace of the Eucharist, celebrating our own life, death, and resurrection in Christ.