THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN THEE - Part III

We have seen why we must repent as soon as we discover our sins. . .because sins are more difficult to remove if they remain longer in our souls. 

We have also seen that knowing our sins as they truly are is the most difficult part of repentance. . .because pride blinds us to our sins. 

We must repent as soon as possible. If we don't repent while we are strong, how can we repent when we are weak. If we cannot when we are young, all the more when we are old. If we cannot repent when we are healthy, how can we when we are sick.

But, indeed, we can still repent when we are old, weak and sick. But like the paralytic, we need FOUR helpers to bring us back to Christ. 

When the four men carrying the paralytic approached Christ, He was amazed at the faith of the four. Of course, the paralytic had faith; but the faith of the four was a great help for the forgiveness of his sins and his eventual healing. And faith is defined as obedience to the commands of Christ.

So when we have been weakened by the paralysis of sin and are unable to go to Christ in repentance, we need the help of holy people or of those who are obeying the commands of Christ. We don't really need four. One is enough if he is really a very holy person.

St. Caesarius of Arles

(03-10-03)