Thy Sins Are Forgiven - The Sacrament Of Confession: The Sacrament Of Reconciliation Or Penance

IT was afternoon on the third day following Christ’s death and burial. Ten of His disciples were gathered in a house situated in a secluded street in the city of Jerusalem. Of the original twelve one was dead — Judas who had betrayed his Master and gone to his doom at his own hand. Thomas was temporarily absent, probably hiding somewhere. They were still stunned and terrified at the recollection of the harrowing events that had just transpired. Their beloved Leader had been captured and tortured and finally put to death. His power over the forces of nature had once seemed unlimited; yet now He had expired on the cross, apparently unable to help Himself. His cold body had been laid in the silent tomb; His cause seemed hopelessly lost. Today, however, a ray of hope had pierced the darkness. In the early morning the tomb had been discovered empty; an angel had proclaimed to some of the faithful women that Christ had risen from the dead; Mary Magdalen had even come to announce that she had seen the Crucified One living again.