Maybe you're thinking: Well, there's people I'd rather not connect with. I can understand that. The Spanish have a saying, "No quiero verlo ni en pintura." I don't want to see him even in a picture. For a Christian that can't become a permanent posture. Permanent unforgiveness = hell. Last weekend we heard about how people confessed their sins and received forgiveness. Jesus forgives every sin. He has only one condition - the willingness to forgive others. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
This is hard. Always has been, always will be - but particularly in our society. Cardinal Francis George said we live in culture that tolerates everything and forgives nothing. People say, "I am very forgiving person but what he did was unforgivable." That attitude makes people think some sins are OK, others beyond the pale. They imagine that if they told the priest everything he would throw them out of the confessional. I've been a priest 46 years and I've never turned away any penitent. I may not be able to give full absolution, but always at least a blessing and a prayer.
Forgiveness is beautiful. One of the greatest joys is to extend and receive forgiveness. The poet William Blake wrote, "throughout all Eternity I forgive you, you forgive me."
At weddings couples often request
This is hard. Always has been, always will be - but particularly in our society. Cardinal Francis George said we live in culture that tolerates everything and forgives nothing. People say, "I am very forgiving person but what he did was unforgivable." That attitude makes people think some sins are OK, others beyond the pale. They imagine that if they told the priest everything he would throw them out of the confessional. I've been a priest 46 years and I've never turned away any penitent. I may not be able to give full absolution, but always at least a blessing and a prayer.
Forgiveness is beautiful. One of the greatest joys is to extend and receive forgiveness. The poet William Blake wrote, "throughout all Eternity I forgive you, you forgive me."
At weddings couples often request
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