Jesus Tells Us …. Go In Peace, Your Sins are Forgiven

Fr. Felix Phiri, SMM

Jesus Tells Us …. Go In Peace, Your Sins are Forgiven

Among the contribution of Pope Benedict 16th ‘s papacy was a rekindling in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The Pope wrote several series / books on Jesus Christ. In one of the Pope’s writings, he speaks of the Gospel. He explains when many read the Gospel, they look at it as ordinary words … as the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the Roman times, the words Good News meant that the Romans were victorious in battle and would share the Good News with Rome’s king.

St. Paul Defines The Term Good News

Paul uses this term in the first reading. I bring you the Good News. For Paul, the Good News is that Jesus was nailed to The Cross, died and was Resurrected from the dead. This is the Good News for all mankind.

The Resurrection of Jesus, and what it means, is why we have the Catholic Church. It is why we are Christians and worship the Lord at Mass.

Why Does Paul Emphasize Our Lord’s Death in Speaking of the Resurrection?

Why does Paul emphasize the Resurrection after the death of Jesus? Indeed, why focus on death when discussing the Resurrection? Why? Because Our Lord’s death was a brutal death . . . a death on The Cross.

In Roman times, the cross was a symbol of power for the army … for Rome . . . for the secular world. Which means all the powers of the world have no power than that of God. The Resurrection shows us there is a more perfect world to come . . . the kingdom of God in Heaven!

So, what is the lesson for us? We cannot live in this world as though this is the end. There is a resurrection and a new world to come; we will be in communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel Story of the Anointing of Jesus Feet

Today’s Gospel is the story of Mary washing and anointing the feet of Jesus. Her life is perceived by the religious leader . . . she is a sinner. Jesus says she loves Him and He knows of her sins. He forgives her sins. In the Homily we hear more about this story. The Gospel today tells us God is merciful. The end of the Gospel . . . we hear the same words we hear within the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: