Confession, Forgiveness, and the Cleansing Power of the Blood of Jesus, Our Great Weapons Against Sin and the Accusations of the Evil One

Sunday, March 12, 2006
Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18
Psalm 116:10,15-19
Romans 8:31-34
Mark 9:2-10

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

This is one of the most hopeful verses in all of Scripture. After all, it is great to have such a loving God on our side. Unfortunately, we also have to deal with someone who stands against us: our “archenemy” Satan. He spends a good amount of his time tempting us, and the rest of the time condemning us the moment we fall. For instance, he may tempt you to get angry and frustrated in a situation, and then he will say: “You call yourself a Christian after that display of anger? You’ve really done it this time. You don’t expect God to forgive you for that again, do you?”

It’s at times like these that we can benefit from St. Paul’s next question: “Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?” (Romans 8:33). No one. No one can bring a valid charge against a child of God, thanks to the blood of Jesus. In baptism, he cleansed us from sin. Now he wants to sprinkle our hearts so that we are freed from a guilty conscience (Hebrews 9:14; 10:22).

It’s true. Anyone who sincerely confesses their sins is completely forgiven—no matter how bad the sin or how many times we fall prey to it! This drives the devil crazy, because it takes the rug out from under him. Sure, he can try to make us feel guilty right after we sin but once we repent, the case is dismissed, and God doesn’t think about it anymore!

The devil’s biggest trick is to try to convince us that some particular pattern of sin is so horrible or so deep-seated that it somehow falls outside of the universal and all-atoning sacrifice of Christ. Don’t fall for this ruse! The Scriptures and the church have you covered on this one. All who ask forgiveness for their sins are cleansed and set free from guilt by the blood of Jesus.

“Father, thank you for your great mercy! I am eternally grateful for your love and forgiveness. May the blood of your Son cleanse me from all my sins today.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In last Sunday’s Mass readings, God formed a covenant with Noah; in this Sunday’s readings, he makes one with Abraham: "I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars . . .all this because you have obeyed my command." In what areas of your life is God asking you to obey him more (and resist him less)?
2. In the responsorial Psalm, we pray: "I believed even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.'" This was the same faith Abraham displayed in the first reading. In your times of “afflictions,” what keeps you from turning confidently to the Lord and believing he can loose your bonds? Share some examples of when you did this and the Lord set you free.
3. In the second reading from Romans, how would you describe what St. Paul believes is the Christian's first and final answer in times of difficulty, despair, suffering, and fear. In what ways do you struggle to believe this and act on it? How can you apply Paul’s answer to your own life?
4. What areas of your life, or your family or your job, do you tend to reserve for yourself, without much input from God? How can such “compartmentalization” of your life hinder your walk of faith and God’s plan for your life? What steps can you take to bring the Lord’s light and life into these areas?
5. In the story of the Transfiguration in today's Gospel, Jesus shows forth his divine glory, foreshadowing his Resurrection. In response to the "terrified" reply of Peter, the reassuring voice of the Father is heard saying: "This is my beloved Son, listen to him." How can we take these words of the Father, which are also meant for us, more seriously during Lent?
6. In the meditation, we hear these words, “Anyone who sincerely confesses their sins is completely forgiven—no matter how bad the sin or how many times we fall prey to it!” In light of these words, how important is the Sacrament of Reconciliation to you? Is it important enough to partake of more than just once or twice a year? Why or why not?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen