John 11:45-57 NIV
Many of the people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection believed in Jesus. However, some did not and they plotted against. They went to the Pharisees to confess what they presumed to be Jesus' sins. They wanted to get rid of him.
Last week, I held our annual confirmation marathon. That is, we studied the catechism every morning, for five days in a row. I cannot count how many times I admonished the students to confess only their own sins, not their brother or sister's; not their neighbors. The eighth commandment forbids sharing with others our slanted perspective of our neighbor's sins. One exception might be is if you want me to mediate between the two of you to bring about a reconciliation. When we confess someone else's sins, it does neither of you (or me) any good. They cannot be absolved and you are convicted of gossiping (eighth commandment). When someone is in danger it is a good thing, even necessary, to alert someone in authority who can help that person. But, confessing their sins to make yourself look good and/or to get rid of them is definitely not the direction one should be headed.
May God be with you and your neighbor.
God's Peace - Pr. J
Many of the people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection believed in Jesus. However, some did not and they plotted against. They went to the Pharisees to confess what they presumed to be Jesus' sins. They wanted to get rid of him.
Last week, I held our annual confirmation marathon. That is, we studied the catechism every morning, for five days in a row. I cannot count how many times I admonished the students to confess only their own sins, not their brother or sister's; not their neighbors. The eighth commandment forbids sharing with others our slanted perspective of our neighbor's sins. One exception might be is if you want me to mediate between the two of you to bring about a reconciliation. When we confess someone else's sins, it does neither of you (or me) any good. They cannot be absolved and you are convicted of gossiping (eighth commandment). When someone is in danger it is a good thing, even necessary, to alert someone in authority who can help that person. But, confessing their sins to make yourself look good and/or to get rid of them is definitely not the direction one should be headed.
May God be with you and your neighbor.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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