As a priest, two of the most urgent sacrament are Confession and Anointing of the Sick. Why? Because these two Sacraments have the capacity to forgive sins.
In Confession, the priest forgives in the name of the Church, “I absolve you of all your sins, “In the Name of the Father, of the Son, of the Holy Spirit.”
In the Anointing of the Sick, the priest also forgives in the name of the Church, “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.” Even though the patient is unconscious, the sins are forgiven.
Why is forgiveness of sins very important?
When we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, we have three beautiful reminders:
- The solemnity signals the last week of the calendar of the Church. Hence, we are reminded that all things come to an end. “Lilipas din ang lahat.” Hence, if all things come to an end, it should give us a better disposition of how to live our lives. Ano ba talaga ang mahalaga sa lupang ito. – “Love for God and Love for Neighbor.”
- The solemnity reminds us of God’s mercy. Our impression of a king is one that has power, a castle, territory, soldiers, and money. Also, if you make a mistake, you are punished – jailed, hard labor or beheaded. The kingship of God is about mercy and compassion. Indeed, we are reminded that the one with the strongest character is the one who can forgive.
- The solemnity tells us that we have a home. “Today you will be with me in paradise.” How do we attain paradise? “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you do unto me.” Hence, we are reminded that the things we do to ourselves will eventually die. But the things we do for others will go on forever.
When we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we are reminded that the greatest power in this world is Love and Forgiveness. It is most difficult, but then again, it is most liberating.
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 