what is jesus thinking?
"Sitting close by were Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem." —Luke 5:17
Jesus was surrounded by a large number of religious leaders and Bible scholars. It was something like a convocation of priests or a symposium of professors. In the midst of this august assembly, the roof was partly dismantled, and a man on a stretcher was lowered through the hole. Jesus said to the man: "My friend, your sins are forgiven you" (Lk 5:20). Although Jesus knew that this statement would be considered blasphemy and would turn the religious leaders against Him, He spoke of His authority to forgive sins (Lk 5:24). He even healed the paralyzed man to confirm His authority to forgive sins (Lk 5:25). Jesus is preoccupied with the forgiveness of sins.
"You can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Tm 1:15). Jesus has sacrificed His life for the forgiveness of our sins. There is "more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner" (Lk 15:7). The heart of Jesus is the heart of forgiveness.
Therefore, repent; confess your sins. May the shedding of Jesus' blood, the giving of His life, and the love poured out in His death not be in vain. Jesus is thinking of you, and He wants to forgive your sins. Repent of your sins!
Prayer: Father, make my Advent Confessions life-changing.
Promise: "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing." —Is 35:5-6
Praise: In preparing for Jesus' birth, John attended an Advent penance service where God touched his heart in such a way that he returned to Confession after a time of absence.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, The Secret of Confession, or on video V-44 or audio AV 44-3.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001