Gift and Duty

April 19th, 2012 Posted in writing

Fifty years ago, Sister Kathleen told our grade school class in Omaha that because Jesus gave his followers the power of forgiveness on Easter night, we could get to be friends with God again if we sinned. That sounded like an awesome power, indeed.

Today I think of Christ’s gift as not just about the Church’s being given a power but, rather, of being charged with a duty.

A lot of people may have the opinion that the Church thinks its job is to make people and society perfect, but that’s not the case. The power to make the world perfect was not Jesus’ Easter gift. The power to forgive, however, was.

And though, in the Catholic Church, the call to preside at the Sacrament of Reconciliation is given to priests, we all, ordained or not, share the duty to foster forgiveness and reconciliation in our families, communities, and the wider world. It’s Christ’s expectation that, with his help, we do what he asks.

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  2. By Marj Crowe on Apr 21, 2012

    Guess I will have to be the forgiveness that I wish to see in the world.
    This was just the piece I needed to read this Saturday morning after reading the local headlines and editorials. Can’t hope for a relief from it in the pews tomorrow. Must begin with me. Thanks Father!

  3. By Klind on May 14, 2012

    This is great. Thanks so much

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