Reconciliarnos Hoy. Fundamentación Teológica y Desafíos Actuales del Sacramento de la Reconciliación

Abstract

Contemporary society over the years has undergone a series of changes, both in its structures and in the way it conceives the different social changes, within these aspects we must locate the man of today, seen from all its dimensions and demanding a new vision from theology and more specifically from sacramental theology. For this reason, this paper aims to analyze the influence of contemporary society and more specifically the phenomenon of secularization; seen from a social, anthropological and religious aspect. Secularization has negatively influenced the understanding of sacramental theology, especially in the sacrament of reconciliation, since it has led to the development of a series of processes such as; individualism, the rejection of the religious institution, the impersonality of God, relativism and the sense of sin and guilt, which have led to a devaluation of the sacrament. The sacrament of reconciliation, we must understand it from the history and theology of the Church; therefore, we make a historical and theological journey taking into account the biblical testimony, the patristic, and what was affirmed by the councils in matters of sacramental theology. In addition, we must understand reconciliation as an encounter that takes place from three fundamental points: encounter with oneself, encounter with the ecclesial community and encounter with God. Taking into account the culture of the encounter that Pope Francis to return invites each of us baptized to look back at the prophetic dimension received in baptism. Finally, the document aims to invite the Catholic faithful to reflect on the Christian commitment received at baptism, in addition, to invite to value the sacrament of reconciliation as a way of constant conversion and that leads to the healing and healing of the relationship with God, through an encounter of grace and merciful love.