At the time of Jesus, the Jews believed that God alone could forgive sins. However, there were two stipulations. First, you had to deserve the forgiveness. Second, God didn’t forgive your sins until the final judgement. Until then you had to live with your sins in expectation of future forgiveness.
Now Jesus comes along and give forgiveness as a gift. He gave it to people who don’t do anything in particular to earn it, and to some who don’t even seem to deserve it. Can you see how Jesus gets crosswise with the Jewish establishment ?
Jesus always forgives here and now. He said: “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” I no longer have to live with sin. Jesus simply offers the gift of forgiveness to all who want it and that includes ME.
Am I ready to accept this awesome gift of forgiveness ?
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
