“Only God forgives sins. Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” and exercises this divine power: “Your sins are forgiven.” Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name.” Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1441
“When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend,[i] your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?”” Luke 5:20-23
I sit this morning pondering those scene. His friends just broke a roof and lowered him to Jesus. They are hoping Jesus will heal his paralysis. But, this isn’t how Jesus reacts. He knows their desire but God knows the man’s true need. Jesus forgives the man’s sins. In ‘The Chosen’, this scene strikes me to the soul. Upon Jesus’ words, “My son, your sins are forgiven”, the man inhales and cries. He doesn’t look at Jesus upset that he didn’t get healed. It is like he suddenly knew how healed he got.
Jesus cares deeply for every aspect of our lives but more so does He desire our spiritual well-being. For Jesus, our souls come first.
In this knowledge, the Maker of our minds knows in order for our souls to be truly healed, in the worldly side, is to hear the words. ‘My son, your sins are forgiven. So, He commissions the Church to use His power in His Name to give Mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When, we hear the words of absolution, we need to hear God’s voice, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”
When you go to Confession, do you realize it is Jesus to Whom you speak? It is Jesus, through the ministry of the Church, Who forgives.
Just as importantly, when you hear Him say, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven”, what is your reaction? Do you really realize what Jesus just said and did for you? Do you react in tears at His Divine Mercy?
I break down each time I hear Jesus pass Divine Mercy upon me instead of judgment. Please, go to Him, no matter how long ago or how bad your sim between visits, go to Him for Healing.