In this beautiful illustration (above) of the Prodigal Son returning to his father (Luke 15:11-32), we are reminded of the words of Jesus, who told us of the Prodigal Son and the forgiving father, in this parable. Jesus' words were meant for all of us. Jesus tells us that when we go to the Father, in a repentant way, our sins are forgiven. We have to have a firm wish to repent and sin no more. Roman Catholics have a meaningful Sacrament to accomplish this: The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Yes, it was called "Confession" in days of old, and it is the same as it was then, and if we go to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican website), we find the following definition: "1422 "Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."

In Article 1424, the name change is explained: "It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man. It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace." It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the life of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God." He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."

Non-Catholics could go see their minister or advisor/friend, and, they can just ask God for forgiveness, and if this wish is genuine, and if there is a purpose of amendment, to do better rather than to backslide into a habit of sin, our Lord who is mercy and compassion personified will forgive.

To continue on a slippery slope, however, is dangerous. If you are a habitual sinner (remember the Ten Commandments? - they are there for a reason! They were given to Moses for the Israelites of his time, but in a larger sense they have been given to all of us), then talk to a priest, a friend, or your family, wherever you can find peace about your situation, and amend your ways. Death can occur at any time. No human being in the world knows when he will die - and if you're in big trouble with the Lord and recalcitrant, you need to rectify this before it is too late.

Many people seek material things for their own glory and they will easily commit any sin to acquire what they want. Be it a shady business deal, or theft of services, or whatever else, the more money they have, the more they want. That's pride! It's bad pride! And, this greed for more, is not only seen on a personal level, but also when a whole industry seeks to aggrandize to an unreasonable level, thereby diminishing the opportunities of those in financial straights. The lending industry comes to mind.

Nowadays many people believe that the end justifies the means. They will do anything to get what they want. They want pleasure and they commit any sin to get it, such as an abortion, stealing, corruption, and in general they have an ongoing alliance with the devil. That's pride... that's like telling God: 'Not your way, but my way.'

People gamble and hope to get many things, including good health, without having to do anything or following the Will of the Father. No one said it was easy to be obedient to God. No, it's very hard, but the rewards are endless. Pride gets you into Hell on the fast track. Humility and striving for Holiness, that's the way to Heaven. Repent and sin no more!

I've heard of crack addicts who, despite the extreme addictiveness of this substance, managed to do better for one day, and then for two, and so on. And now they are fully cured. (from the tapes of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)

I know that on this website, which is largely authored by myself (and only for the reason that few others contribute to it), I will urge you, my readers, again and again to amend your sinful ways. I do this because I believe and sense God calling me to write on this subject, but at the same time, showing you that He loves you beyond your understanding, and certainly, beyond my own understanding. But I'm a sinner too, and I know that, and I try very hard, every day of my life, to return to His Grace. I am grateful for His help.

When I write, I forget myself. I do not have an ulterior motive in my writing. The words just flow from my fingers, and really there isn't much thought involved in this writing on my part. I know this is a gift of God, and I am thankful for it. Our Lord has given us his command in John 3:16, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life". And also, in Mt. 22:37-39, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself," is the stimulus for me to write what is in my heart. In this website, or for that matter anywhere else, I do not judge. I do not point fingers at anyone and say "You are a sinner." That would be wrong, because I am a sinner also, and pointing out the faults of others, unless done in love, with the best of intentions, leads one into a deeper hole. As a Roman Catholic, and particularly as a (lay) Franciscan, I feel called to be a living member of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, I am called to go forth as a witness and instrument of [the Church's] mission among all people, proclaiming Christ's Teaching wherever I go. To bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. (See Rule 6, Secular Franciscan Order). And that, my friends, is why God has blessed me with the gift of being a prolific writer (at least on the Internet). I know that I cannot love you, in a spiritual sense, if I do not know what love is, especially God's love. But I know of God's love, because He has rescued me so many times from serious sin.

So, once again, if you feel in your heart that you need forgiveness of a condition of habitual sin, go see a priest. It will be a big unburdening, you will feel at peace again, and you will be ready for whatever comes in the future. I wish you God's Peace and all Good!

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
March 10, 2007