Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Mt 23:9-12)
On the news tonight, World Youth Day 2011. The pope criticises the Spanish socialist government and their policy on abortion. He announces that as a limited time offer (until the end of the event), confessions by young girls for having had an abortion will be forgiven. But how?
But aren't all sins forgiven?
Or do some expect forgiveness be bought?
No, it must be freely given, me thinks, and the sinner contrite, praying for the mercy of Christ, for strength, for wisdom, for serenity and knowing the peace of a unburdened mind.
"Limited time offer"?
Can the pope do that?
If his actions are inspired by S.S. and acting from divine grace, selfless, in service of all his flock, he forgives in the name of Christ and the Father.
But "limited"?
After the great event this forgiveness shall no longer be offered? The sinner damned? Even to those begging forgiveness?
No, me thinks. Jesus knew no day of rest when healing. Forgiveness is healing.
Please great Pontiff, inspire faith, but not to the detriment of its goal. Be grace, so that we might better know our true Father. Teach a Christian life, and not simply the flesh and blood politics of the Law.
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