Divine Mercy Sunday, 4/11
Have you ever gone to confession and even though the priest absolved you from your sin, you were left feeling unforgiven? “Are my sins really wiped clean?” I think we all have sins from our past that haunt us, that make us wonder if we could truly receive absolution from them. Intellectually, we might be able to accept that Church teaching tells us we are forgiven -- but in our hearts, sometimes it’s hard to feel like we are. Fear and guilt hangs on and whispers in our ear, “But maybe I’m not forgiven….”
In this gospel, the disciples parallel our behavior when we are left questioning the fullness of God’s forgiveness. They are hiding from the Jews behind locked doors, full of fear and distrust. Was Jesus Who He said He was? They knew Him and saw His miracles and believed, but in the wake of His Crucifixion and burial --- their minds must’ve been confused and questioning. Was this the end?
But then Christ comes to them. They have the confirmation they were seeking. Christ says to them, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them; and whose sins you retain are retained.” He institutes the sacrament of confession and the complete forgiveness of sin.
It’s also important to note the forgiveness Christ offers to His disciples in that moment. Consider how He was abandoned by most of his closest friends during His Passion. When He comes to them saying, “Peace be with you,” He extends His forgiveness to them. Forgiveness of their fear, confusion, and doubt.
Thomas, who was not with the disciples, immediately he says he will not believe Christ returned unless he can touch His wounds. Jesus then comes to Thomas who of course, believes. But then Jesus says, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
We have to remember this last line when we approach confession. We are not able to touch and see the risen Lord as the disciples did, but Christ foreshadows the power of the sacrament of confession by saying, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” If we believe that He is Who He said He is, we must believe that His forgiveness is real.
When we feel as though our sins are too great for forgiveness, too shameful, or too complex to be wiped away, we must remember the very purpose Christ, Son of God, came to earth as a man, suffered the most heinous death, and died for us. No one suffers and dies for someone they don’t love. No one suffers and dies for someone they wouldn’t or couldn’t forgive. Christ literally died to forgive us.
When you feel nervous about confession or find yourself questioning whether your sins can be truly forgiven, remember this quote, “No sin is greater than God’s love.” Trust in the Lord’s mercy. No sin is greater than God’s love for you.
Lillian Fallon