Rule 7

United by their vocation as brothers and sisters of penance, and motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, let them conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by means of that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls conversion. Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion be carried out daily.

On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is the privileged sign of the Father's mercy and the source of grace.

Radical interior change, also known as "Metanoia" (spiritual conversion), is a daily act. One way to recognize what needs changing is by way of a daily examination of conscience and this is usually done before Night Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, but can be done at any time during the day. The Sacrament of Reconciliation plays an active part in Metanoia, and it is recommended that Catholics receive this Sacrament at least once a month.

Some people will wonder, what am I going to confess once or more a month? As you strive for perfection, perhaps there are no mortal sins, but there are many venial sins and these too, need to be whittled away at. Especially when they recur over and over again. But we are frail and that sense, and that's why Rule 7 exists to remind us that we are brothers and sisters of penance. Make use of reconciliation as it is indeed a privileged sign of the Father's mercy and it is a strong source of grace. We know that "Grace" is a gift of God. Embrace this gift in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

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5-10-2008