- A stole (a garment worn by a priest) signifies the priest’s authority to absolve sins and represents repentance and sorrow.
- A key or a pair of keys, usually crisscrossed in the shape of an “X”, is the most common symbol for the sacrament of Reconciliation and originates from Jesus’ words to Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven”, by which Jesus imparted his authority to the Church. “Whatever you find on earth shall be found in heaven, and whatever you lose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19), by which he established the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gave the Church the authority to forgive sins.
- The Laying of the hand - After the penitent makes the Act of Contrition, the priest offers the prayer of Absolution, and as he does he extends his right hand over the penitent’s head, to symbolise God’s presence through the priest.
- The Sign of the Cross is made over the penitent by the priest as he recites his final words of the prayer of Absolution.
- The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is a great example of Reconciliation in the Bible. It shows a father demonstrating the ability to forgive his son, welcome him back to the community and heal their relationship. This parable, in my opinion, is the most relevant to the sacrament of Reconciliation.