There is a story of a woman who carried years and years of guilt within her soul because of an abortion she had as a teenager. It left her struggling with bouts of depression and stress. She was in a church one day when an inner voice asked her to make a confession. Then a grace mysteriously came upon her. She overcame her fear, confessed to the priest and encountered Christ's mercy. The priest even cried with her during the confession. She immediately realized within her heart that she was forgiven by God and was finally "set free" of her great burden.
Many times our personal suffering comes from our own guilt due to sin. What we fail to realize is that Christ suffered and died to take the guilt away. Rather than condemning us for our sin, he is more than happy to have mercy. Jesus wants us to be at peace and set free. He paid a great price so we can experience this. We shouldn't be afraid to approach Him.
In the Gospel today the Risen Jesus brings peace to his disciples when they are "startled and terrified". He goes on to state that he suffered and died for the "forgiveness of sins". We can experience this peace and forgiveness ourselves through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Let us not waste this great gift. Christ is waiting for us with open arms.
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