Free Indeed (Jeannie)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36

JMJ

One of the greatest blessings of being Catholic is the grace received in the sacrament of reconciliation. Hearing the words of absolution are perhaps some of the sweetest words a human can hear:

"God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church

may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

I've seen people dancing out of the confessional - knowing and accepting the love, mercy and grace that The Father is ravishing over them. One lady was an RCIA candidate about to enter the church at Easter Vigil. She did a dance of joy right up the center aisle of the church! Her joy was tremendous! However, I have also seen people leaving with downcast faces unable to accept the mercy being given to them. People have been known to question whether God could really forgive them, not understanding His immense mercy is for them. Forgiveness is there for them, but they reject it - can't accept it.

One of my favorite witnesses to God's mercy is Elizabeth's husband Zechariah. Here is a man of the priestly tribe, one given the honor of entering the Holy of Holies, but unable to fathom how God could do the impossible. Due to his grave sin Zechariah is struck mute. He remains silent throughout the nine months that Elizabeth carries their son in her womb. On being questioned about the naming of their son John, Zechariah is given back his ability to speak - and what an awesome speech he gives! "Blessed be the Lord, The God of Israel; He has come to His people and set them free." Truly Zechariah has seen the great things that God has done for His people. The line that Zechariah declares, that speaks to accepting God's mercy is:

"He promised to show mercy to our fathers

And to remember His holy Covenant.

This was the oath He swore to our father Abraham:

To set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship Him without fear,

Holy and righteous in His sight

All the days of our life."

Do you see that? "Holy and righteous in His sight all the days of our life." Silenced for nine months because of his sin, but he knows that God's forgiveness is absolute. God doesn't see the sinner, but one who is holy and righteous in His sight, not just today, but all the days of his life. Zechariah believes and accepts the forgiveness of God - New life begins from this moment onward!

Blessings,

Jeannie