"Those who approach the Sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from the mercy of God for the offense committed against Him and are at the same time reconciled with the Church, which they have wounded buy their sins, and which buy charity, example and prayer seeks their conversion." (Lumen Gentium 11).
The Sacrament of Penance is a gift of God's mercy to us. However, the Sacrament also helps us to seek the mercy of our fellow pilgrims in the church who are wounded both visibly and invisibly by our sins.
How have your sins wounded the body of Christ?