The readings this weekend speak of forgiveness and love. We are all sinners, even though we strive to be good and worthy servants of the Lord. In our weakness, our sinful nature prompts us to choose the wrong road, and we sin.

In the Old Testament David acknowledges his sin, and is forgiven. In the New Testament (last week - Galatians) Paul confesses that he persecuted the Church. After Christ called him, he repented of his persecution and served the Church as one of its greatest apostles. The Gospel recounts the story of a well-known sinful woman who enters a dinner party and approaches Jesus: washed his feet with her tears, dried his feet with her hair, and anointed them with the perfume she had brought. (note that Jesus had not been welcomed according to custom by the host). By her faith and love she was forgiven by the Lord.

Pope Francis speaks of mercy and forgiveness frequently during this Year of Mercy. Following is an excerpt from one of his General Audiences, 2015 on Reconciliation and Peace:

Someone might say when going to confession: “But I am afraid that the priest will chastise me.” No, the priest will not chastise you. Do you know who you will encounter in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? You will encounter Jesus, who pardons you! Jesus is waiting for you there; and this sacrament offers forgiveness, love, and peace.

Fear so often prevents us from receiving Jesus’ mercy. Fear about what others will say. Fear about what others will think. Fear about what we might need to change in our own life. Give these fears to the Lord. Let us use the sacraments as a source of Christ’s mercy to help take our fears away and give us peace!