Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel
The sacrament of reconciliation !
Jesus is merciful He forgives our sins ! He not only teaches His disciples that the sinner should not be condemned , but even gives them the power , that the truly repentant sinner in the name of God should be forgiven,absolved! Lets just keep in mind that even today according to many Jewish , Islamic theologians the ones who commit mortal sins , have to die and this is why in the Middle East even in our days people are stoned !
Our Lord Jesus Christ with a merciful heart is a watershed in the life of mankind struggling in the world of sin ! He does not trivialise sin, He proclaims openly that the evil deeds committed knowingly and deliberately can kill the body and soul as well , but He also teaches that :" “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”John 20, 19-24
The sacrament of reconciliation is Jesus Christ’s incredible gift ! Have I started the new year with the holy sacrament of reconciliation resulting in a bodily, spiritual rebirth ?! God’s precious gift but I am the one deciding whether I take advantage of it or not ! What do you have to do if you would like to be become free of your sins , if you would like to live the free, pure life as children of God ?
The greats of the Church guide through the ones with a repentant spirit for a spiritual rebirth !
1. Examination of our conscience , sincerely facing up to facts! If we accuse ourselves Jesus Christ will be our advocate , however if we start explaining things and we do not condemn our sinful acts then God will condemn us! 2. Act of contrition: We have to become aware that how much damage pain , illness has the evil ,the sin caused our own or our loved ones’ lives ! Lets be filled with sincere sorrow for causing pain, damage either to others or myself!
3. Making firm vow, that I won’t sin anymore . Sin is a dead end street capable of killing my body and soul, causing pain , distress to my family, my people , causing damage and for this reason I decide that I’ll steer clear even from the opportunity of sin!
4. Reconciliation ! I’ll look for a priest and I’ll confess my sins ! Humbly , frankly, without beating around the bush with a spiritual advisor my lesser , greater sins, all that is weighing on my mind !
5. Penance! Our Mother the Church does not give us punishment, but a balm in the penance, that you have to do in order of a successful reconciliation ! If you offended your parents pray for them and with a bunch of flowers, by asking for forgiveness show your love towards them !
May God grant us that we can take advantage of His great gift and sincerely, with a pure heart , freely, without sin , loving one another , doing our work joyfully we live our everyday lives !
With love,
Father Csaba
translated by dr k.e.
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days,
it became known that he was at home.
Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,
not even around the door,
and he preached the word to them.
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd,
they opened up the roof above him.
After they had broken through,
they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,
"Child, your sins are forgiven."
Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,
"Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming.
Who but God alone can forgive sins?"
Jesus immediately knew in his mind what
they were thinking to themselves,
so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
'Your sins are forgiven,'
or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk'?
But that you may know
that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"
–he said to the paralytic,
"I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home."
He rose, picked up his mat at once,
and went away in the sight of everyone.
They were all astounded
and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this.”
Mark 2, 1-12
Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel