Normally, when we think of the liturgical season of Lent, we're not entirely excited -- say, as we might be during the season of Advent and Christmas. Given the reality that the 40 days of Lent precedes the culmination of the liturgical year into Holy Week and then the Triduum, it shouldn't understandably be a time of festivity. It is proper that it is a time to reverentially observe the 40 day period.
What I'd like to propose is that in the Lenten Season, we participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. The sacrament of reconciliation is one of two sacraments in the Church understood as a healing sacrament.
In our context today, is healing possible? In this Season of Lent, we will look at the question of healing and various other ethical questions for victims-survivors of abuse. At this time, I think it is necessary to first approach the fundamental question of is healing possible? And what is healing when we consider it within the context of the Church, and more specifically the sacrament of reconciliation? Are there conditions for healing for both victim-survivor and those who committed abuse?
I propose these questions for your reflection and a developed response in the course of the week.
