Similar to physical recovery from illness, spiritual recovery from sin through the Sacrament of Reconciliation involves a process. The penitent confesses his or her sins to an ordained priest, just as patients tell their symptoms to a doctor. The priest, as an instrument of Christ, will grant absolution and assign a penance—parallel to the therapy or medicine that a doctor may prescribe. Christ instituted this sacrament when He told His disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the