OUR STORY …
Herman went for a walk and, as was his habit, he took his rosary and music with him so that he could pray as he walked.
The little mouse happened to pass by St. Michael’s. In keeping with the times, they were doing their confessions outside, and Fr. Harry was carefully practicing social distancing with those who were confessing their sins. Still, something about it seemed odd and peculiar to Herman.
Herman did what he usually did when things like this occurred. He prayed and turned it over to God.
IT IS WRITTEN …
The Bible tells us that the Apostles and their successors had the power to forgive sins. This is a power only God possesses, so only God can extend that power to a human.
Jesus extended that power and authority to them in the Upper Room after the resurrection (Jn 20:23) when He breathed on them (gave them His spirit — the Holy Spirit) and told them that He was sending them into the world just as the Father had sent Him.
The Church He established calls this power and authority “Reconciliation,” and it is rooted in confession and remission of sins. It is so because Jesus said it is so.
LIFE GOES ON …
Of course, our little cartoon above is a ridiculous portrayal of confession and Reconciliation in a world half-crazed with pandemic fears. We would be well-advised and wise to take precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and our friends from the obvious threat that is present. But we must never cease putting our trust in Christ.
The COVID can kill our flesh which God will resurrect some day soon, just as He resurrected Jesus. The COVID cannot, however, harm our immortal, eternal soul as long as we trust in Jesus.
There really are things greater and more important than our mortal flesh. And Jesus really is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6) that takes us to those more important things.
Herman loves to walk and pray because it refreshes him daily, and he gets to hear the voice of God as he steps out in faith.
COOL2B …
That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. It’s cool to be Catholic. COOL2B!
In Christ.
The expressions on the various faces, mostly eyes and on masked faces tell the story of the listening confessors in waiting. Perfect
LikeLike
Good eye, brother. Most of them are communicating something too!
LikeLike
… especially the old priest who has to contend with all this.
LikeLike