RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
SAINT THERESA OF THE INFANT JESUS PARISH
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
Forgiveness
of Sins
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Forgiveness of Sins
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Because of the sins of Adam and Eve, we as descendants of the human race are born with original sin. Our baptism erases original sin, but we continue in a spiritual battle against our natural temptations. "True, I was born
guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me." "God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us." To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1847) As Catholics, we are blessed to have the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. Only God has the power to forgive sins. The disciples, the first priests, were given the authority to absolve our sins. In John 20:21-23, Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you". And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained". After Jesus taught us how to pray the Lord's Prayer, He said, "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14-15). Often our sins are committed in conjunction with other people. We have an obligation to forgive those who have sinned against us, and those who have sinned with us. And, it just as crucial that we fulfill our obligation to forgive ourselves. "Have mercy on me,
God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my
offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. For
I know my offense; my sin is always before me." Jesus spoke often about forgiveness of sins. In the parable of the lost sheep, he concludes with: "I tell you, in
just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need
of repentance." When Jesus stopped the stoning of the woman accused of adultery by telling the scribes and Pharisees, "Let the one among you who is without sins be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7), he then said to the woman: "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, sir". The Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin any more". John 8:10-11 Truly repent of your sins
and sin no more. Take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation
and receive absolution. How wonderful is God's mercy! It is greater than anyone can imagine. We are fortunate at St. Theresa's to celebrate the Divine Mercy Chaplet at our church on the third Sunday of every month at 3:00 p.m. We hope you will join us! It is an awesome experience and another way to show our Lord that you trust in His mercy. If you'd like to learn more about Divine Mercy, please click on the link. If you or anyone you know is suffering from the after effects of an abortion, help is available. Some excellent sources include: Rachel's Vineyard
(This is the national site. The Harrisburg Diocese Respect
Life Ministry offers Rachel's Vineyard retreats also. Please
contact Mary Shriver at 717 657-4804, extension 229.) PLEASE KNOW AND TRUST IN GOD'S MERCY AND FORGIVENESS!
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