If the Pharisees and Sadducees knew it was the Lord, then of course He'd have the power to forgive sins, He's God. But their objection was legitimate. Honestly, it's the same objection that Catholics and Christians in general have about priests hearing confessions and forgiving sins: How can a man forgive sins? Why do I need to go to a man to get my sins forgiven?
Jesus says you do.
Jesus is the man. The human through which our sins are forgiven. He is the only one through Whom our sins can be forgiven.
He has determined the mode by which we, His disciples, come to Him to have our sins forgiven. . . .
There is no doubt that Jesus Christ Himself has given this Sacrament - reconciliation, confession - to the Church as the "ordinary" means of the forgiveness of sins. . . .
Not only do we know that a man can forgive sins - because Jesus Christ is that Man - and not only do we know that Jesus Himself gave that power to other men, but we also know, even psychologically, why Jesus created that sacrament the way He did. . . . as a human, a personal, connection in order to restore a broken relationship. . . .
He created the sacrament of Confession, and He gave the Church this power because you need it. I need it! Because I'm human! It's my nature, it's how He made me.
You cannot receive all of the graces that you need if you do not go to Confession to the priest. You can't.
A Letter from Bishop Jugis:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Christ, our hope, has risen. Peace be with you.
Like Thomas in today’s Gospel, surrounded by a world of doubts and uncertainties, we have experienced the Lord in our midst, and proclaim with Easter joy, “My Lord and my God!”
This past year Pope Francis invited us to participate in a global synodal process in which we shared our faith, fears, hopes, and concerns. Although the national Catholic participation rate was only slightly above 1%, the Diocese of Charlotte exceeded the national average. After prayerful discernment and having listened to the lay faithful and the clergy of the diocese, I would like to share with you six pastoral priorities moving forward.
As a diocesan family, relying upon the grace and mercy of God, I ask for your help as I shepherd the diocese to meet the challenges of our day. Finally, I entrust these pastoral priorities to the maternal care of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God, our diocesan patroness.
May the peace and joy of Easter be with you all.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte
April 16, 2023
Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Pt 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35
You may watch the Mass in its entirety on our YouTube channel. Homily begins at 24:47