Still, as we know from personal experience, every sin “leaves its mark”. Sin has consequences, not only outwardly in the effects of the wrong we do, but also inwardly, inasmuch as “every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death, in the state called Purgatory”. [Catechism 1472]
Typical for a Jesuit to mention “unhealthy attachments.” Sin doesn’t pop up from nowhere; it is most often a manifestation of some deeper urge within a person. We can confess a sin multiple times in our life. That might suggest some root cause within us. Recovering addicts are certainly aware of this.
In our humanity, weak and attracted by evil, certain residual effects of sin remain. These are removed by the indulgence, always by the grace of Christ, who, as Saint Paul VI wrote, “is himself our ‘indulgence’”. [Apostolic Letter Apostolorum Limina, 23 May 1974, II] The Apostolic Penitentiary will issue norms for obtaining and rendering spiritually fruitful the practice of the Jubilee indulgence.
And that document has been issued. You can check it here.
Pope Francis is wise to urge us to look beyond the relationship of two–our self and our God. For some people, forgiveness appears to come more easily. I suspect it is something at which we must work hard and especially be open to divine grace:
This experience of full forgiveness cannot fail to open our hearts and minds to the need to forgive others in turn. Forgiveness does not change the past; it cannot change what happened in the past, yet it can allow us to change the future and to live different lives, free of anger, animosity and vindictiveness. Forgiveness makes possible a brighter future, which enables us to look at the past with different eyes, now more serene, albeit still bearing the trace of past tears.
Missionaries of Mercy are still called to that special task:
For the last Extraordinary Jubilee, I commissioned Missionaries of Mercy, and these continue to carry out an important mission. During the coming Jubilee, may they exercise their ministry by reviving hope and offering forgiveness whenever a sinner comes to them with an open heart and a penitent spirit. May they remain a source of reconciliation and an encouragement to look to the future with heartfelt hope inspired by the Father’s mercy. I encourage bishops to take advantage of their precious ministry, especially by sending them wherever hope is sorely tested: to prisons, hospitals, and places where people’s dignity is violated, poverty abounds and social decay is prevalent. In this Jubilee Year, may no one be deprived of the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness and consolation.
How many Catholics even knew who these missionaries were? Are those so appointed prepared for a renewal of ministry at the margins of the Church?
You can check the full document on the Vatican website here.
Catholic Sensibility 