November 12, 2010 – Catechism 587-594

Jesus and the life we are called to live is a  stumbling block for those that do not think they need a Savior.  Think about that when you see news stories about keeping Christ out of schools or government.  Think about that when you see shows about everybody hooking up.  Think about that as we enter Advent and prepare for Christ coming.  The people that don’t want to talk about Christ have a motivation.  If they start to believe, they couldn’t live the way they are now.  They enjoy the material things, the immoral things, they think it makes them happy.  The world does not want Christ because the world doesn’t think it needs to be saved.  That is where the Pharisees were. 

To have our sins forgiven, we must first accept the fact that we are a sinner.  In a world where everything is acceptable, this becomes the hardest thing to accept.  The Pharisees had an issue with thinking they were sinners which is why they found it so hard to accept Jesus.  Sinners, on the other hand welcome Him because they know they need His mercy.   

Christ had the ability to forgive sins.  He gave all His authority and power to the Apostles.  Why if not for the Sacrament of Reconsiliation.  Why do this if we are not suppose to confess our sins out loud to someone who can forgive them.