Jesus forgives us; thank you, Lord

I can understand how some well-intentioned Christians see the Sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes referred to as Confession) as being a hindrance to receiving - and experiencing - the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.  I suspect this misunderstanding is due to a misunderstanding of the nature of the Sacraments.  Any sincere Christian would say that it is Jesus - and only Jesus - who forgives our sins.  This is a fundamental truth, and of paramount importance for any sincere Christian; it is of paramount importance, even for the whole world.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an experience of Jesus' forgiveness.  It is an experience meant to be had in a way that Jesus himself instituted.  After the Resurrection, Jesus breathed on his apostles - an event that conjures up an image of the "breath of God's life" given to the first man in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 2:7).  Then the Lord said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven" (John 20:22-23).  His says this to them after commissioning them, telling them that he would send them forth in the world:

"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" (John 20:21).

This is the history and the tradition of this Sacarment, coming from Jesus himself.  But for any and all sincere Christians, it should be emphasized that at bottom, it is always - and only - Jesus who can - and does - forgive all our sins.

Below is something I wrote recently in hope of illustrating this point; I'll just paste it.

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I think at bottom, all Christians believe that it is ultimately Jesus who forgives all our sins – and what is more: ONLY Jesus can forgive our sins.

We see instances throughout the Bible – particularly in Old Testament writings – that convey an image of “covering over” sins; but only Jesus has the power to “take them away”, as the Baptist must have known when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

This fundamental Truth of Christianity is not contradicted by telling/confessing sins to a priest. At bottom – and “to the depths” – it is always and only Jesus who forgives sins. Always. For without this Truth – nay, without Him and His Sacrifice, as our Passover (see 1 Corinthians 5:7) – we cannot be saved from our sins, much less our death.

-Brian

roots

My other blog, Christian (Catholic roots), is written from issues concerning faith, issues such as those concerning worship, biblical themes, even some doctrinal issues.  But here, for this blog (one dark night...), I wish to convey more of my personal and emotional responses to such issues and concerns related to the Christian life.

The Reformation became a source of division among Christians.  It has even become a source of division in my life as well, regarding my relationships with other Christians.  The roots of the Reformation go very deep.  Even today, the "core effect" of the Reformation is hard to deal with.  Sincere Protestants more-or-less view the Reformation as being a substantially positive facet of Christian history;  sincere Catholics, on the other hand, more-or-less view the Reformation as being a substantially negative facet of Christian history.

How can Christians become reconciled?  I am a Christian with Catholic roots, and I honestly believe that only Jesus can reconcile us all.  He is our source of Communion, of the Oneness he wishes for all of us; the Oneness that, in the end, only He can bring about (see John 17:11, 20-21).

How difficult it is, Lord, to have divisions.  It is - I would say - a tragedy.  You desire to gather Your People into One Fold; how much longer, Lord, will your be patient with us?  When, Oh Lord, will this finally be accomplished?